‘SMOOTHIES’ BREAKS BUCS HEARTS

MBABANE – Ezulwini United came from behind twice to steal a point from Moneni Pirates in an MTN Premier League four-goal thriller played yesterday.

The ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni  scored their second half goals through Mazwi Sihlongonyane, who opened his account for the club after signing from Tambankulu Callies and pacey attacking player Malibongwe Malinga  while the ‘Stingers’ netted through lanky striker Thabiso Sithole and veteran midfielder Mphucuku ‘ Smoothies’ Dlamini, who scored from a penalty spot.

The result was United third consecutive draw while for Pirates it was their second and they are yet to get a win in this 2023/24 league campaign.
Coming into the game Ezulwini United enjoyed the bulk of the possession; it was Moneni Pirates with the better of the opportunities. With the half hour mark approaching, Mazwi Sihlongonyane should have done better, as he found himself on the end of a superb move and only had the keeper to beat. But his tame effort was comfortably collected by Siyabonga Magagula.

With the half-time whistle looming Pirates looked for an opening goal as Innocent Pakula tested Siyabonga with a stunning long-range drive, but the ‘Stingers’ goalies  was up to the task as he tipped the ball over the bar. Pirates had one final chance to find an opener before the break after some good work between Phumlani Shongwe and Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Dlamini, but yet again they were unable to convert as they headed into the break goalless.
The second half saw the Ikabort Masocha side looking revamped and the away side got off to the perfect start as they took the lead just eight minutes into the game. Xolani ‘Messi’ Ngwenya played a cross into the box which the host failed to clear and Mazwi Sihlongonyane poked the ball home to make it 1-0 in favour of the visitors.

Pirates added their second through attacking player Malibongwe Malinga, who found some space just outside the United box and released the trigger that left goalkeeper Magagula with no choice to make it 2-0 just a minute after the hour-mark. Ezulwini reduced the deficit three minutes after the when Thabiso Sithole connected brilliantly a corner kick delivered by ‘Smoothies’ to nod home their first goal. The stingers continued probing for an equalising goal, which eventually came nine minutes before the regulation time, when Smoothies converted through a penalty that sent the goalkeeper the wrong way after the former Mbabane Highlanders player was brought down from the box to ensure that the game ended in 2-2 stalemate.

After the match, the Moneni Pirates players were furious and aggressively confronted the match officials, accusing them of favouring Ezulwini United. The Royal Eswatini Police (REPS) stepped in to protect the officials, who appeared frightened by the players’ behaviour. The police escorted the officials out of the stadium while the Pirates players were still visibly upset.

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