MATSAPHA UNITED, HIGHLANDERS FIRE BLANKS AGAIN

MANZINI - Even an animated crowd that filled the Mavuso Sports Centre could not inspire two of the country’s popular sides, Matsapha United and Mbabane Highlanders to score goals.

An estimated over 3 500 fervent spectators made a stop at the venue for the epic MTN Premier League clash last night, but dragged themselves out of the venue in utter disappointment as the sides could not locate the back of the net again. There were also no goals scored in the reverse fixture about 40 days ago. It was more frustration for Highlanders’ South Africa-born coach Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane, as his misfiring troops kept him in search for his first win in three attempts. The home team, on the other hand, seem to be slowly sinking into their ‘Deep Blue Ocean’ as they are still win-less in the three games without head coach Saul Chaminuka, who is yet to reunite with the side since his departure to Zimbabwe recently.

The final score was not a true reflection of the game as both teams had chances to put the game to bed. The visiting side’s chances in the opening period were headlined by Frank Antwi’s effort, which ricocheted off the woodwork in the ninth minute. Skipper Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze, also easily peeled off the opposition defence during the early exchanges. Matsapha had threatened through Mthobisi Mngomezulu at first, but he got stuck into ‘traffic’ when he needed to pull the trigger. The sides were level pegging during the interval. The deciding period was more of a replica of the first as the teams took turns in launching attacks. Matsapha’s South Africa-born import, Siphamandla Dlamini, on the other hand, almost pulled a rabbit off the hat as his devilish attempt from a scramble shaved the cross bar. Highlanders players’ legs appeared heavy towards the end, but still had the verve to tighten their backdoor to steal the point.

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