‘BULL’ PAY THE PENALTY

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Lozitha Spurs ...................(2)2
Njabulo 6th, Mduduzi 42nd
Mbabane Highlanders ....(0)1
Mopina 69th
MANZINI – Two-time Ingwenyama Cup runners-up Mbabane Highlanders were eliminated in the Last 32 of the tournament by National First Division (NFD) side Lozitha Spurs.
The match took place at a packed Mavuso Sports Centre, with Highlanders aiming to make a deep run in the competition but ultimately falling short. Highlanders, who were finalists in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 editions, found themselves on the back foot early in the match. Just six minutes in, Njabulo Gama opened the scoring for Lozitha, rifling the ball home from close range after receiving a pass from Mndeni Dlamini following a set-piece. Despite dominating possession and pressing for an equaliser, Highlanders struggled to find their rhythm.

levelling

Their chances of levelling the score further diminished when Bonginkosi Mavuso fouled Siyabonga Mkhonto inside the penalty area in the 27th minute. Highlanders’ ‘Smoothies’ stepped up to take the penalty, but Lozitha’s goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze made a crucial save, parrying the shot away for a corner. In a cruel twist, Lozitha doubled their lead, just three minutes before half-time. A set-piece situation saw Mduduzi Dlamini curl a beautiful free-kick past the helpless Bhekisisa Dlamini, leaving Highlanders trailing 2-0 at the interval. Highlanders made tactical changes at half-time, introducing Siwakhile Shongwe and later substituting ‘Giggs’ and Wandile Ntshakala for Mpilonhle ‘Loshy’ Khumalo and Kenneth Moloto.

The adjustments bore fruit as Fabrice Mopina pulled one back in the 62nd minute, scoring from a Siphamandla ‘24 Reasons’ Maseko corner kick. With momentum shifting in their favour, Highlanders pressed for an equaliser, but Sikhondze continued to thwart their efforts, making a crucial save from Mopina’s close-range header in added time. The situation worsened for Lozitha when Ntokozo Masuku received a red card, reducing them to 10 men. However, this late twist was not enough to change the outcome as referee Thulani Sibandze blew the final whistle, confirming Highlanders’ exit from the tournament. This defeat means the cash-strapped Highlanders will settle for a mere E10 000 participation fee, while Lozitha Spurs advance, having upset last season’s semi-finalists.

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