Times Of Swaziland: MADLENYA, MANZINI SEA BIRDS THROUGH TO LAST 16

MADLENYA, MANZINI SEA BIRDS THROUGH TO LAST 16
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Nimrod Hlophe on 19/01/2025 06:39:00


MBABANE – Just as in the previous edition, Madlenya and Manzini Sea Birds have
progressed to the next round of the Ingwenyama Cup after overcoming Emajukujuku
and Amawele, respectively.
Madlenya again needed penalties to see off their opponents, drawing 2-2 with
Hhohho Super League side Emajukujuku. The Lobamba-based side were forced to
endure a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after Bandile Dlamini’s shot  rattled
the woodwork, ending their hopes of progressing to the last 16 round of the
tournament.
In the penalty shootout, both sides missed one spot kick apiece.
The Hhohho Football Association (FA) regional champions had given Madlenya an
early scare when Nhlalolenhle Khumalo scored after just 10 minutes. However,
Lindelwa Mngometulu restored parity on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on
some sloppy defending.
In the second half, Madlenya dominated, and it looked as though they had
snatched a late winner when Sebenele Gamedze found the net. However, Veli
Msimango reignited Emajukujuku’s hopes with a free-kick that left ‘Gozi
Gobana’ incensed; as they felt the goal should have been disallowed. Referee
Lwazi Dlamini had to explain to his assistant, who had also flagged it off to
see it stand. Madlenya felt the two players ought to have played the direct free
kick just at the arch of the box.
Ultimately, fortune did not favour Emajukujuku, just as it had in the regional
finals, and Madlenya scraped through once again, copying their previous
season’s success when they beat CK Survivors 4-2 on penalties. In the other
match, Sea Birds cruised to victory, courtesy of Captain Muzi Tsabendze’s
24th-minute opener and a brace from Mthokozisi Gwebu in the 27th and three
minutes after the hour mark.
The National First Division (NFD) side Amawele fought back valiantly, but former
Manzini Wanderers Njabulo ‘Kitaza’ Magongo’s solitary goal, assisted by
former Sidwashini United player Trevor ‘Mlindi’ Zwane, was not enough to
prevent their elimination. Sea Birds last season progressed to the next stage
after defeating Ludzeludze Killers 2-0.