LOZITHA STUN MADLENYA, E75 000 RICHER

MANZINI – National First Division (NFD) side Lozitha Spurs caused another upset in the Ingwenyama Cup, defeating Premier League side Madlenya 1-0 yesterday.

This victory secures them a E75 000 prize and keeps their hopes alive for further financial rewards. Mxolisi Hlongwane scored the decisive goal in the second half, continuing Lozitha’s impressive cup run. Last week, the Physical Trainer, Senzo Khumalo led charges eliminated Mbabane Highlanders, another Premier League giant, in a major upset.

Lozitha are now guaranteed a E75 000 prize for reaching the quarter-finals. They also have the opportunity to earn an additional E30 000 bonus if they finish as the best performer among the NFD and Super League teams in the competition. Red Rhinos and CK Survivors are the remaining contenders for this bonus, facing Ezulwini United and Mbabane Swallows respectively today.

The first-half was a closely contested affair with both sides creating few clear-cut chances. Goalkeepers Ncaba Dlamini of Madlenya and Sanele Malaza of Lozitha both made crucial saves to keep the score level at halftime. Notably, Malaza replaced Bhekisisa Sikhondze, the hero of the victory over Highlanders, who was sidelined with an injury.

The second half saw a more open game with Lozitha gradually gaining control. In the 73rd minute, Hlongwane capitalised on a rebound to score the winning goal. Madlenya launched a late offensive in the final 10 minutes of referee Bongiswa Mbuyisa but they were unable to find an equaliser. In the previous edition, ‘Jozi Gobana’ reached the quarter-finals by defeating Manzini Wanderers while Swallows eliminated ‘Emavulandlela’ in the last 32.

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