Times Of Swaziland: HIGHLANDERS FAIL TO BEAT 10-MEN ILLOVO

HIGHLANDERS FAIL TO BEAT 10-MEN ILLOVO
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Mengameli Mabuza on 24/11/2024 06:44:00


BIG BEND – The ill-fated ten men of Illovo put on an inspiring display of
resilience, battling to a gripping 1-1 draw against Mbabane Highlanders in
intense heat during an MTN Premier League match played at Mayaluka Stadium,
yesterday.
Illovo made a strong start, with lanky striker Njabulo Dlamini giving them a 1-0
lead as early as the 16th minute. However, the visitors responded through their
captain and attacking midfielder, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto, who found an
equaliser in the second half. The hosts were dealt a blow when Masiko Dlamini
was involved in a fierce tussle for the ball with Highlanders’ Sandile
‘Ghana’ Ngcamphalala. The collision seemed to have taken a toll on Dlamini,
leading to fears of a possible dislocated knee. With the clock ticking down, the
hosts were forced to contend with a one-man disadvantage, putting extra pressure
on their already tired players.
The stalemate left the Mbabane giants winless in three consecutive matches
against the Lubombo-based side—a string of results that included two draws and
a single victory. The frustrating outcome also saw Highlanders remain in 10th
spot with eight points, while Illovo retained 9th position with the same number
of points. The match kicked-off with Gcina Dlamini’s side taking charge
against a seemingly leaderless Highlanders team. Despite initial efforts by
‘Mkasabuli’ to penetrate Illovo’s defence, the visitors gradually ceded
control, allowing the home team to take over.
In a swift counter-attack, Njabulo Dlamini scored from a glancing header, aided
by a well-placed cross from Sabelo Dlamini. With the thermometer hovering around
35 degrees celsius, Referee Thulani ‘Goje’Sibandze halted play for a brief
water break, in 25th minutes allowing both teams to hydrate and recuperate.
Prior to the water break, Illovo executed their first substitution, bringing on
Nhlanhla Shabangu to replace Sizwe Maziya. As the half-time break approached,
both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with the home team still
holding on to a slim 1-0 lead.
Highlanders began the second half with high energy, believing they had found an
equalising goal through Sibahle Sukazi’s strike. However, referee Sibandze
disallowed the goal for a perceived foul committed against Illovo’s
goalkeeper, Simo Ndzinisa. The hour mark proved pivotal for Highlanders as
‘Mkasabuli’ capitalised on a brilliant assist from Kenneth Moloto.
Moloto’s sharp, low-ground cross set up Mkhonto perfectly, allowing him to tap
the ball into the net and level the score at 1-1.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Illovo proved to be a potent threat, missing
out on a potential winning goal when Mphumuzo Sangwane wasted a golden
opportunity by sending his shot over the bar. Meanwhile, Highlanders had their
own chance to seal the victory, but Mphucuko Dlamini’s effort, set up by a
beautiful cross from Mkhonto, was easily saved by the Illovo goalkeeper, who
made a fine save.