EDOA-NGA HEADS LEOPARD TO SUMMIT

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Leopard.......................(1)1
Charles 25th 
Sundowns....................(0)0

LOBAMBA – After just 25 minutes, debutant ex-Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions striker Charles Edoa-Nga was on target.

It was his glancing diving header inside the six-yard box that not only gave Leopard the lead but also took the police side to the top of the MTN Premier League log standings after long-time leaders Green Mamba were held to a 1-all draw by Young Buffaloes at Mavuso Sports Centre.

Edoa-Nga proved his class as reported by our sister publication, SwaziNews yesterday when he pounced on left back Sikhumbuzo Ntimane’s searching cross into the box.

He nodded it into the far post, giving goalkeeper Phila Mamba no chance at all. The goal was the beautiful work of twin midfielder Fanelo Tsabedze, who shrugged off two of his markers and nicely laid it off for an oncoming Ntimane on the left flank.

Sundowns regrouped after the goal and went to the break without conceding any further while they never created anything in the opening half. The second half was a struggle for Sundowns with Edoa-Nga’s combination with the Tsabedze twins, Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini threatening to tear a hapless Sundowns apart.

Sundowns have their goalkeeper to thank in the end after a dismal team performance but Mamba stood strong between their goal, making three good saves from Edoa-Nga and Mzoro (twice) while substitute Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo also tested him but he was equal to the task. Sundowns just could not break the water-tight Leopard defence but when their best and only chance of the game came inside the closing 15 minutes, striker Linda Maphalala put it over the bar to seal a horrific afternoon for his team which has to do better in terms of foreign recruits especially in midfield and upfront where they were exposed.

watched

Edoa-Nga, who was also watched by his agent, had fans talking at the stadium as his overseas quality showed to all and sundry. He has played national team football and against Argentina, among other countries and also had a stint in Saudi Arabia Professional League. At the end of the game, his teammates and technical bench all showered him with praises, one would be pardoned to think he had always played in the country when this was his debut and a significant one as he took Leopard to the top spot, now on a point difference. It is the first time this season the league has new leaders as Green Mamba were in charge.

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