HIGHLANDERS FAIL TO BEAT 10-MEN ILLOVO

BIG BEND – The ill-fated ten men of Illovo put on an inspiring display of resilience, battling to a gripping 1-1 draw against Mbabane Highlanders in intense heat during an MTN Premier League match played at Mayaluka Stadium, yesterday.

Illovo made a strong start, with lanky striker Njabulo Dlamini giving them a 1-0 lead as early as the 16th minute. However, the visitors responded through their captain and attacking midfielder, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto, who found an equaliser in the second half. The hosts were dealt a blow when Masiko Dlamini was involved in a fierce tussle for the ball with Highlanders’ Sandile ‘Ghana’ Ngcamphalala. The collision seemed to have taken a toll on Dlamini, leading to fears of a possible dislocated knee. With the clock ticking down, the hosts were forced to contend with a one-man disadvantage, putting extra pressure on their already tired players.

The stalemate left the Mbabane giants winless in three consecutive matches against the Lubombo-based side—a string of results that included two draws and a single victory. The frustrating outcome also saw Highlanders remain in 10th spot with eight points, while Illovo retained 9th position with the same number of points. The match kicked-off with Gcina Dlamini’s side taking charge against a seemingly leaderless Highlanders team. Despite initial efforts by ‘Mkasabuli’ to penetrate Illovo’s defence, the visitors gradually ceded control, allowing the home team to take over.

In a swift counter-attack, Njabulo Dlamini scored from a glancing header, aided by a well-placed cross from Sabelo Dlamini. With the thermometer hovering around 35 degrees celsius, Referee Thulani ‘Goje’Sibandze halted play for a brief water break, in 25th minutes allowing both teams to hydrate and recuperate. Prior to the water break, Illovo executed their first substitution, bringing on Nhlanhla Shabangu to replace Sizwe Maziya. As the half-time break approached, both teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with the home team still holding on to a slim 1-0 lead.

Highlanders began the second half with high energy, believing they had found an equalising goal through Sibahle Sukazi’s strike. However, referee Sibandze disallowed the goal for a perceived foul committed against Illovo’s goalkeeper, Simo Ndzinisa. The hour mark proved pivotal for Highlanders as ‘Mkasabuli’ capitalised on a brilliant assist from Kenneth Moloto. Moloto’s sharp, low-ground cross set up Mkhonto perfectly, allowing him to tap the ball into the net and level the score at 1-1.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Illovo proved to be a potent threat, missing out on a potential winning goal when Mphumuzo Sangwane wasted a golden opportunity by sending his shot over the bar. Meanwhile, Highlanders had their own chance to seal the victory, but Mphucuko Dlamini’s effort, set up by a beautiful cross from Mkhonto, was easily saved by the Illovo goalkeeper, who made a fine save.

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