MAMBA BACK TO WINNING WAYS

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
G. Mamba.... (1)2
Oladele 18th, Mkhontfo 63rd
Vovovo...... (0)0

LOBAMBA – Table toppers Green Mamba shook off Vovovo to return to winning ways here yesterday. Unanswered goals by Solomon Oladele and Mxolisi Mkhontfo in each half ensured Caleb Ngwenya’s men tightened their grip at the top. The Somhlolo National Stadium pitch, which hosted the MTN Premier League fixture, would have been mistaken for a venue for a swimming gala.

The security forces ensemble needed to grind out their first win of the new year in a water-logged pitch following a heavy downpour, especially in the second half. Following a two-game winless run, they are finally breathing again.
Moneni Pirates did them a favour, as they held closest challengers Buffaloes to a 1-all draw.

However, Green Mamba are still being forced to look over their shoulders by Leopard, who are second after grinding a 2-0 win on the road. The latter beat Malanti in Pigg’s Peak to remain a point behind.
For Vovovo, who are on 16 points, it is back to square one in their bid to stay clear of danger. They are still five points fronm safety.

They proved daring, but glaring frailties were their major letdown as defender Bheki ‘Djemba’ Dlamini ended up playing as a top man after the injury of debutant Roger Thsimanga.
Green Mamba did not take long to get off the mark, as they attacked in waves. It was Oladele who kept knocking on Vovovo’s door.
breakthrough
After his effort was parried to safety in the 17th minute, he found the breakthrough a minute later after the visitors failed to deal with a Njabulo Thwala corner kick. He showed composure in a crowded box before beating goalkeeper Machawe Dlamini with a low shot.
Vovovo were attacking in dribs and drabs and trailed by the solitary goal during the interval.
On resumption of play, the players’ legs were heavy, as they struggled moving the ball around. Vovovo were still finding openings, but ‘Djemba’ who was isolated upfront looked lost like an octopus in a garage as he never threatened.
Against the run of play, Green Mamba doubled their advantage through the improved Mxolisi Mkhontfo who curled his effort into the net from the right flank after he shook off the defence in the 63rd minute.
As the rain bucketed down the venue, the chances got ‘washed away’, but it did not matter for Green Mamba who returned to winning ways after setbacks at Matsapha United and Manzini Sea Birds, respectively.

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