MOPINA, MUSA PUT ‘BULL’ ABOVE ‘BIRDS’

BIG BEND – Former Manzini Wanderers striker Fabrice Mopina and former Green Mamba forward Musa Dlamini fired Mbabane Highlanders back to the third spot on the MTN Premier League standings.

The duo not only earned the three points for Highlanders in a lukewarm match against rookies Madlenya, but also reclaimed the third spot, toppling traditional rivals and Simunye group partners Mbabane Swallows. However, the two sides are now level again but on 34 points, with Highlanders ahead due to the head-to-head rule, they won the first round clash 2-1. The match winner was second-half substitute Musa, who struck six minutes from time. He nodded home from a tight angle a Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ cross.

He was introduced alongside midfielders Tshwarelo Bereng and Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa at the start of the second-half for Ndumiso ‘Sikhokho’ Shongwe, Enzo Motsa and the first goal scorer Mopina respectively. It appeared a needed boost for the black and white side as they piled pressure but Madlenya also made their own changes and started playing purposefully thereafter. However, after holding on the 1-1 margin from the first half as they equalised through a penalty scored by defender Thabiso Dlamini, they could not stop Musa from netting the winner. It was the striker’s fifth goal of the season in the league.

Thabiso had cancelled a well taken Mopina header early on after just four minutes of play. Mopina met well a Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha corner kick before the latter was subbed due to an injury. It could have been easily a hat-trick for Mopina but good goalkeeping by Mndeni Lukhele denied him. He had two strong headers either tipped out or parried for corners.

Denied

Machacha himself was denied by the goalkeeper when he was nicely teed-up by man of the match Siwakhile Shongwe with a defence-splitting pass before the latter saw his powerful effort miss the target by inches. The rookies were awarded a penalty at the stroke of half-time when impressive winger Sethu Ngcamphalala was hacked inside the box by centre back Mandla Palma. Referee Letticia Viana did not hesitate but rightly pointed to the spot.  

This was their equaliser but they could not hold on to it, allowing Highlanders to complete a double over them as even in the first round, the latter won 1-0. Madlenya had nearly gone ahead seven minutes after the hour mark through defender Lucky Gamedze as his well taken set piece from outside the box hit the cross bar, with Shabalala well-beaten between the sticks. However, it was not their day as they lost the match right in the dying minutes. Madlenya are ninth on the table with 19 points while Highlanders are still six points behind leaders Green Mamba and two short of second-placed Young Buffaloes. On fourth is Swallows who are yet to go face Green Mamba, Buffaloes and Highlanders in the second round.

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