IN EXPLOSIVE 8BET TRADE FAIR CUP LAST 8 FIXTURE: NSINGIZINI SOAR OVER ‘BIRDS’

MANZINI - Nsingizini Hotspurs stunned rivals Mbabane Swallows to soar into the Trade Fair Cup semi-final.

In a crackerjack fixture of the 8Bet-sponsored tournament played before over 4 000 roaring fans at Mavuso Sports Centre last night, Nsingizini needed the dreaded ‘lottery’ to sneak into the semi-finals after winning 7-6 on sudden death penalties. The game was expectedly played in a blistering pace and both sides had the needed mileage for the test, after investing enough time in preparations ahead of their respective Confederation of African Football (CAF) campaigns.

Tackles were flying in, with veteran Referee Thulani Sibandze repeatedly forced to dig into his side pocket to caution players. Nsingizini’s Wenzile Lushaba was a casualty, as he had to be stretchered off the pitch after a serious injury. Swallows would have taken a lead to the break if they were clinical in front of goal. Centre forward Ayanda Gadlela and impressive import Karim Madja were guilty of squandering glorious opportunities. The former broke free a couple of times, but his shots never troubled Felizwe Vilakati between the sticks.

Nsingizini’s enterprising grafter Alvin Shabashie, who was eventually replaced by Ayanda Mabuza was submerged and was at times caught out of position during the early exchanges and looked jittery. The sides could not be separated when the senior Eswatini international referee signalled for the breather. It was see-saw on resumption of play, but the finishing still left much to be desired from both camps.

Spectacular

Following a swift attack, enterprising Swallows midfielder Leon Manyisa, who was spectacular on the night, nodded home the opener with a neat header from close range after a  gorgeous cross from exciting recruit Bongi Magagula, who was signed from National First Division side Black Swallows. Three minutes later, parity was restored as substitute Junior Zindoga from Zimbabwe opened his Nsingizini account in style. He was at the end of a Yeki Khumalo defence-splitting pass to beat goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini with a low shot from close range. The ball was guided in by the woodwork. Chances were few and far between towards the end. The sides could still not be separated after regulation time. When the inevitable happened, both sides missed two of their first five penalty kicks. In sudden death penalties, Siyabonga Zwane was denied from 12 yards out in the decisive kick.

At the sound of the final whistle, the visiting fans burst into song in sheer ecstasy and looked ready to throw an all-night party. They saw their side that won the MoMo Cup ahead of Swallows, setting another potential humdinger against the tournament’s surprise package Moneni Pirates. The latter were forced to dig deep into their reserves to shake off Ezulwini United 5-4 after another sudden death penalties. Pirates made things difficult for themselves after allowing the opponents to cancel out Captain Menzi Simelane’s lead.

The veteran defender had scored from the penalty spot in the 54th minute minute before Msimisi Zwane capitalised on a lapse in concentration deep into stoppage to force the game into penalties.  The shootout was equally dramatic, with Ezulwini scoring only once in their last four kicks. The semi-finals will be played, on Saturday, before the champions ascend to the podium on Sunday to cash out the E600 000 first prize.

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