MATSAPHA SHOCK WANDERERS, FINISH IN TOP 8

MANZINI – It is not how you start but how you finish that matters.

This can best explain Matsapha United’s rise from zero to hero in the MTN League.  Matsapha were fighting relegation in the first round but turned the tables in the second and eventually finished within the top eight. They sealed their seventh spot after beating Manzini Wanderers 3-1 at their own backyard before over 1000 fans. Bogandaganda finished the league on 30 points after 26 games while the Weslians are on the tenth spot with 27 points. The hub side were dropped one place to the tenth spot from ninth after Moneni Pirates played to a goal-less draw with Mbabane Swallows in a game that was played at Somhlolo National Stadium. Pirates are also on 27 points but have a superior goal difference as compared to Wanderers. Inspiring Matsapha to a respectful finish were the trio of Richard Yartel, Bongani Dlamini and Emmanuel Nsiah. Matsapha came back from a goal down to win the match 3-1.Wanderers had opened the scorers’ chart through Mphumuzi Ginindza, who converted a penalty kick.

The first 45 minutes ended in a goal-less draw with both sides firing blanks with the half chances that they created. The second half was more eventful with the home side threatening to break the deadlock in the early stages. It was no surprise when the maroon and white ensemble were leading in the 46th minute. Winger Mike Dombo was hacked by defender Thami Zulu in the danger zone and referee Mbongiseni Shongwe did not hesitate but pointed to the spot. Ginindza made sure he converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper, Innocent Adja, the wrong direction.

It was not long before the visitors came back strong and leveled matters in the 67th minute through man of the match Yartel, who took defenders on a solo run before unleashing a powerful shot that beat the advancing goalkeeper, Romanus Igidimba. Just when the Weslians were trying to recover and seeking a second goal, the opponents came back strong and scored two quick goals with 10 minutes to spare. Matsapha were again on the front foot and all thanks to Bongani Dlamini, who beat the advancing Igidimba from the left flank to make 2-1 in the 82nd minute. Nsiah hit the last nail in the coffin in the 88th minute. He headed home from a Richard cross to make it 3-1.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: