‘BULL’ RISE FROM ASHES

Mb. Highlanders ........(1) 2
Majahasibili 34th , Philani 90+2
Ezulwini United .........(0) 1
Banele 66th  
MANZINI – City giants Mbabane Highlanders have finally ended their six-match winless streak in the MTN Premier League with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Ezulwini United.
Prior to this crucial win at a rain-soaked Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday, Highlanders’ last success came 67 days ago on November 6, 2024, when they stunned Young Buffaloes 2-1 at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre. Since then, their form had been a mixed bag of three draws and three defeats. However, this result provided only minimal relief from relegation anxiety, as they leapfrogged the ‘Stingers’, as United are fondly known, moving up one place to 10th position. Highlanders remain just six points above the relegation zone, occupying the 10th spot with 13 points.

Meanwhile, United suffered a second consecutive defeat, dropping to 11th place on the charts with 12 points, and they are yet to record a victory against the city giants. The match began with a moment of silence in honour of the fallen Manzini Sundowns legend, Fanie ‘The General’ Terblanche. Played under heavy rain in a waterlogged pitch, it was a fiercely-contested affair, reminiscent of the curtain-raiser between Moneni Pirates and Rangers. Both sides displayed attacking intent from the onset, but neither team managed to register a shot on target in the opening minutes.

In the 21st  minute, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto’s curled free-kick narrowly shaved the crossbar as Highlanders began to apply some pressure. By the 28th  minute, Ezulwini goalkeeper Innocent Adja, standing in for the suspended Siyabonga Magagula, made a crucial save to deny the ‘Bulls’ captain. The breakthrough arrived in the 34th  minute when Majahasibili ‘Giggs’ Ndlovu put the ‘Black Bull’ ahead. Ndlovu looped the ball into the far corner from close range after connecting with a pass from Siyabonga Mkhonto inside the penalty area.
From that point onward, both sides battled for control before the half-time whistle, but Musa Manyatsi’s side could not find an equaliser. Upon resumption, United appeared to have gained the upper hand, searching for an early equaliser.

fought

However, Highlanders fought back. ‘Mkasabuli’s free-kick was tipped over the bar, just three minutes before the hour mark. Shortly after, Mangaliso ‘Ngrasho’ Nkambule had a chance to level the scores, but his ground shot was saved by goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini. Six minutes later, Banele Nkambule equalised with a stunning low bullet shot that beat goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini. ‘Bulls’ coach Thembela Dlamini, responded by substituting Siyabonga and Wandile Ntshakala for Siwakhile Shongwe and former United captain Mpucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini, hoping to turn the tide.

United came close to securing their first win when Siboniso Motsa was fouled inside the area by Ndumiso Dlamini, resulting in a penalty. Captain Mandla Palma stepped up, as he did last week against Pirates, but unfortunately this time, Bhekisisa blocked the attempt, and his defence cleared the ball for a fruitless corner kick. This error served as a warning to the ‘Bulls’, who upped the tempo. Sphamandla ‘24 Reasons’ Maseko’s effort was tipped over the bar with five minutes remaining. Their relentless pressure finally paid off deep into added time.
‘Smoothies’ Dlamini’s cross found ‘Mkasabuli’ inside the box, who calmly slotted the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans, securing a crucial victory for Coach Thembela in his first match in charge.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: