TENSION AS LEOPARD DEHORN ‘BULL’

MANZINI – Mbabane Highlanders have been derailed in their league title bid following a 1-2 loss to revived Royal Leopard here yesterday.

The usually boisterous ‘Bull’ fans jadedly dragged themselves out the stadium while shouting at match officials after they accused referee of the day, Thulani Sibandze for turning a blind eye when Leopard’s full-back Mlamuli Msibi appeared to have handled the ball in the box. It was a tight call, as the ball appeared to have hit the defender’s hand while they were in their natural position. At the end of the  fast-flowing MTN Premier League clash, it was the police side that had the last laugh, as they did not only  get their revenge  for the 2-3 first round upset, but stormed the top five on the charts while Highlanders remained fourth.

First half goals by ‘familiar ghosts’ Thabiso Mokenkoane and Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini proved to be the difference against their former side. The second half surge by Highlanders, who pulled one back through the dependable Philani Mkhonto was not enough in the chase for the rare double. With an already swelling casualty ward, Highlanders were dealt a huge setback as trusted defender Peter Dlamini could not last beyond the first 30 minutes. Vusumuzi Vilakati was also away on suspension, with Mandla Palma called in to perform the defensive duties in central defence. It took six minutes for the visitors to unsettle the opponents, as Mokenkoane squeezed past a forest of bodies to fire home from close range after he was set up by ‘Mzoro’, following a quick counterattack.

Highlanders were still living dangerously at the back but almost restored parity from a curled free kick outside the box. Siwakhile Shongwe saw his audacious effort from about 20 yards out shaving the crossbar. Leopard ensured that they doubled their advantage just before the break, as ‘Mzoro’ connected a Junior Magagula free kick in the box with a neat header.

attack

On resumption of play, Highlanders had thrown everything into attack. They restricted the opposition to defending in most instances and Leopard had no shot on target after the recess.
After repeatedly banging hard on Leopard’s door, the capital city giants eventually pulled one back in the 50th minute, as Mkhonto looped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini to half the deficit. After scoring, Highlanders were all over the opposition. Then a minute into added time came the controversial moment when the penalty appeal was turned down after the ball shaved Msibi’s hand from a Palma shot. The home fans roared in anger, with some pushing and shoving with marshals. On-duty security was stretched, but eventually restored order. The final whistle confirmed Highlanders’ worst fears, as they suffered their first defeat under new Coach Solomon ‘Solly’ Luvhengo.

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