SIKHALI’S 12TH STRIKE SENDS GREEN MAMBA TO SUMMIT

NHLANGANO – Green Mamba exacted sweet league revenge against Nsingizini Hotspurs in an engrossing affair played yesterday.

The visitors seized the initiative in the second half, with prolific marksman Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa adding to his impressive tally, netting his 12th league strike of the season. Substitute Kwanele ‘Rasta’ Shongwe sealed the victory for the Ernest Mavuso-led outfit, earning a measure of retribution for their previous loss to the Shiselweni-based side in the second round of last season’s fixtures. The three points propelled the Correctional Services side to the summit of the MTN Premier League standings, bringing their total to 22 points.

Significant

This dramatic turn of events marked a significant turning point in the league campaign, especially as previous leaders Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard saw their match postponed due to internal issues within the Mbabane club. The match took a tense turn when Green Mamba’s box-to-box midfielder Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula was sent off in the 74th minute for a reckless challenge on Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini. Referee Wandile Mamba brandished a straight red card, reducing the visitors to ten men for the remainder of the encounter.
The game began five minutes ahead of the scheduled kick-off, but both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first 20 minutes, resulting in a goalless stalemate.

Both goalkeepers were barely tested early on. Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Neliswa Dlamini nearly put his side ahead in the 31st minute with a fierce strike that veered wide of the target, keeping the scoreline unchanged. The first half failed to meet expectations, with both teams unable to showcase their renowned attacking flair. However, the second half saw a marked improvement in quality. In the early stages, Bongiswa ‘Pumba’ Dlamini of Nsingizini Hotspurs, nearly broke the deadlock with a blistering free kick that struck the crossbar, prompting home supporters to vociferously appeal for VAR, insisting the ball had crossed the line.

The introduction of the fleet-footed ‘Rasta’ proved a game-changer for Green Mamba. In the 70th minute, Shongwe’s involvement led to a free kick expertly taken by ‘Mshishi’, allowing ‘Sikhali’ to slot home the opening goal. With momentum now on their side, Green Mamba capitalised on a swift counter-attack to seal the victory. Shongwe, the architect of their attacking play, was sent clear on goal by a pinpoint through ball, deftly chipping the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati to make it 2-0.

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