Times Of Swaziland: EMAJUKUJUKU REGIONAL INGWENYAMA CUP’S BEST

EMAJUKUJUKU REGIONAL INGWENYAMA CUP’S BEST
================================================================================
Melusi Mkhabela on 10/02/2025 08:39:00


MANZINI – Hhohho Super League side Emajukujuku are the last team standing in
the Ingwenyama Cup! The side has claimed the increased E42 500 cash prize after
defeating a stubborn Nsenga Comrades 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated final of the Ingwenyama Cup took place
yesterday at the Manzini Club. Both teams showcased remarkable skill and
determination throughout their respective journeys to the final. Comrades from
Manzini advanced to the final following a thrilling 3-0 victory over
Shiselweni’s Nkwene Sundowns, with Simanga Ndzinisa shining brightly by
scoring a hat-trick. Emajukujuku, in contrast, reached the final after a tense
2-1 win against former
National Division side Ubombo Flyers, largely thanks to a stellar brace from
Mthobisi Khumalo. The first-half of the match was evenly-contested, with neither
side able to break the deadlock. Both squads displayed solid defensive
strategies, clearly determined to claim the championship title. As the second
half unfolded, Comrades took the initiative, scoring the opening goal in the
64th minute through brilliant team play.
They led 1-0, moving closer to securing the title in regulation time. However,
Emajukujuku began to lose structure in their defence, which allowed Nsenga to
create more opportunities within their box. Despite Emajukujuku’s efforts to
regain control, including a near-miss from Gcina Dlamini, whose poor technique
let his team down, they continued to struggle. Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama also
faced difficulties, as he held onto the ball for too long and was dispossessed
easily.
In a dramatic turn of events, Emajukujuku’s Mthobisi Khumalo fought
tenaciously to facilitate an equaliser, and his efforts paid off when Lukhetfo
Dladla found the back of the net, reviving Emajukujuku’s hopes with a
well-executed team play. According to the Ingwenyama Cup Regional Super League
Rules and Regulations, following the equal score of 1-1 at full time, the match
proceeded directly to penalties. Emajukujuku were determined to complete their
comeback from the spot, and the tension was palpable.
In a nail-biting penalty shootout, Gcina Dlamini scored the decisive penalty,
leading Emajukujuku to a 6-5 victory after penalties, with the overall match
concluding at 1-1. The final penalty scoreline stood at 5-4 in favour of
Emajukujuku. It proved to be a memorable day for the over 500 roaring
supporters. The semi-finals and final were played on the same day for the first
time in the history of the tournament. (More reports will be available in
tomorrow’s publication)