Times Of Swaziland: SIDWASHINI FRUSTRATE G. MAMBA

SIDWASHINI FRUSTRATE G. MAMBA
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Machawe Fakudze on 21/09/2024 08:25:00


PIGG’S PEAK – 2023/24 MTN National First Division champions Sidwashini
United denied football giants Green Mamba maximum points, as the sides settled
for a 2-all draw in a thrilling MTN Premier League match played here yesterday.
The first 45 minutes of the game saw both sides struggle to create scoring
chances, but as the game progressed the visitors started creating chances, which
they failed to convert in goals.
The Ernest Mavuso-coached outfit nearly broke the deadlock three minutes before
the half-hour mark, Innocent Dlamini squandered a chance inside the box. Newly
called-up national team Sihlangu attacking midfielder Mthunzi ‘Xavi’
Mkhontfo took Sidwashini defenders for a joy ride, but failed to stain the score
sheet. Nothing could separate the teams as they went for the breather tied at
0-0.
On resumption of the game, Sidwashini launched a quick attack and no wonder;
they got the opening goal of the match. It was former Lozitha Spurs striker
Thandukwazi Ndwa- ndwe who broke the deadlock five minutes into the second
stanza, as he let fly a shot which gave Xolani ‘Coco’ Gama no chance between
the sticks. The Mandla ‘Sitofu’ Dlamini charges were back again nine minutes
later, as former Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers versatile player William
‘Ma-willies’ Kunene made it 2-0.
Substitution
As the game heated up, ‘Stofu’ made a substitution bringing in Thando
Dlamini who for William Kunene, while on the other side, Green Mamba’s Coach
Mavuso on brought in Njabulo ‘Mazza’ Tfwala to replace Mbongeni
‘Mshishi’ Magagula. Green Mamba continued to press on with their hunting
tactics until reigning MTN Premier League top goalscorer Sabelo ‘Sikhali’
Ndzinisa scored with a beautiful header five minutes before the hour mark.
The Correctional Services side were granted a set-piece just outside the box and
Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’ Manana pulled the trigger and the rest was history as he
got the equaliser for his side six minutes before regulation time.The result saw
Inyoka’eluhlazane dethroning Manzini Sea Birds from the summit of the log,
however, Izinyoni Zolwandle could reclaim the sit, as they have a date with
Young Buffaloes today at the KaLanga Technical Centre. Sidwashini on the other
side got their first elite league point as they lost 2-0 in their opener against
Sea Birds.