Times Of Swaziland: GREEN MAMBA DRAW FIRST BLOOD

GREEN MAMBA DRAW FIRST BLOOD
================================================================================
Mengameli Mabuza on 15/09/2024 07:08:00


MHLUME – Green Mamba launched their MTN Premier League season with a
convincing 2-1 victory over a resilient Rangers FC in a game played here
yesterday.
The Correctional Services side earned three points in their league match against
Rangers FC with two clinical goals from Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and
Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula, while Rangers scored a lone goal, courtesy of
Mlungisi ‘Fourteen’ Hlatjwako. This victory saw the Ernest Mavuso-led side
claiming the top spot in the league standings, with Sisonkhe FC hot on their
heels after a 2-1 triumph over Madlenya FC earlier in the day.Rangers FC, under
the guidance of Sihle Mavimbela, opened the scoring in the 28th minute with what
looked like an apparent offside goal from Mlungisi Hlatjwako. The crafty
midfielder was brilliantly played through on goal after executing a clever
one-two pass with Hleliso Gamedze which left Green Mamba’s defence
flat-footed.
Hlatjwako took full advantage of this opportunity, slotting the ball past
goalkeeper Xolani Gama to secure a 1-0 lead. The host’s mounted a fierce
response to Rangers FC’s early goal, with Njabulo ‘ Magwegwe’ Magagula and
Mthunzi ‘ Xavi’ Mkhontfo combining to test goalkeeper Sidumo Vilakati with
quick shots in the 32nd and 38th minutes of the game.
Despite the home side’s relentless pressure, they were unable to find the back
of the net until the 48th minute, when ‘Sikhali’, with an impressive aerial
display, headed in a pin-point cross from Njabulo Magagula, levelling the score
at 1-1 just before the halftime.
The second half kicked off with Green Mamba making a tactical substitution,
bringing on Mbutfo Dlamini for Njabulo Magagula. This move paid dividends for
the hosts, as only minutes later; Mbutfo played a crucial pass to Mcolisi
‘Marcelo’ Manana, who delivered a low ground cross into the box. Mbongeni
Magagula was well-placed to capitalise on this opportunity, placing a well-timed
tap-in past the opposition goalkeeper to put Green Mamba ahead with a 2-1
scoreline. As the minutes ticked away, the visitors desperately sought an
equaliser, almost finding the back of the net in the 78th minute when Sandile
‘Maree’ Thwala found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Gama
only to squander the opportunity with a weak shot that trickled wide from the
target.
Impressive
The closing stages of the match saw both teams trading opportunities to score,
as Green Mamba’s Njabulo ‘Mazza ‘Tfwala and Kwezokuhle Khumalo tested the
reflexes of Rangers FC’s goalkeeper  Vilakati, who was impressive form between
the posts. However, the home side were unable to find the elusive third goal and
the final whistle blew with Green Mamba emerging victorious with a 2-1 win. The
star-studded Green Mamba squad was missing two key players in Sibongakonkhe
Silenge and Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini, who tendered their resignation
letters from the team in order to pursue careers with security forces rivals,
Young Buffaloes.