Times Of Swaziland: EZULWINI DERAIL INGWE’S 1ST ROUND ‘CARROT’ HOPES

EZULWINI DERAIL INGWE’S 1ST ROUND ‘CARROT’ HOPES
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Melusi Mkhabela on 20/10/2024 15:51:00


MHLUME - Royal Leopard were held to a 1-all draw by Ezulwini United in an MTN
Premier League match, which was played at the Nsukuwansuku Stadium yesterday.
The sides came to this match separated by six points on the 2024/25 MTN Premier
League standings. The first few minutes set the tone for a competitive match as
both teams were eager to find an early opener. The result derailed the Edwin
Matsebula charges hopes of clinching the E100 000 first round incentive.
Ezulwini United earned a set piece in the third minute, but their execution was
wasteful, failing to capitalise on the opportunity. United, however, eventually
broke the deadlock when the game was just five minutes old through Bhekani
Mthembu.
Their joy was, however, short-lived as Ingwe Mabalala pulled one back two
minutes later, through Mancoba Meseko from a well-taken set-piece outside the
box, to level matters. Meanwhile, Ezulwini United’s Mthembu’s energetic runs
throughout the half were pivotal, as he frequently drew fouls and won set-pieces
for his team. As the half progressed, the momentum of the game slowed down,
leading to the first water break after 25 minutes. In the 35th minute, Muzi
‘Mzoro’ Dlamini had a golden opportunity to give Leopard the lead but failed
to capitalise on a free-header. The score at half-time was 1-1.
Ezulwini made a strategic change upon the restart of the match, substituting
Phiwokuhle Ndzingane for Mangaliso Nkambule. As the match wore on, tensions
rose. In the 55th minute, Bandile Zwane received a yellow card for a foul on
Mancoba Maseko, highlighting the physical nature of the encounter. Royal Leopard
made their own substitution in the 58th minute, bringing on Sibonelo ‘Jekwa’
Simelane for Muzi Dlamini to inject fresh energy into the attack. Ezulwini
United also made a change, with Thabiso Sithole being replaced by Andile Mamba a
minute after the hour-mark.
In a tense moment, Andile Mamba nearly clinched all three points for Ezulwini
when he narrowly missed the goal with just 12 minutes of regulation time
remaining. As the clock ticked down, Ezulwini employed time-wasting tactics to
manage the game, intent on securing a draw. In the end, both teams had to settle
for a shared point, concluding the match at 1-1.
This draw brought Royal Leopard to 11 points in the standings while Ezulwini
United moved to five points.