‘BIRDS’ SWALLOWED, MAMBA ON TOP

MANZINI – Ezulwini United stunned Mbabane Swallows with a clinical performance to claim a crucial 2-0 victory. The MTN Premier League was played before a roaring crowd of over 4 000 spectators yesterday at the Mavuso Sports Centre. The result marked Ezulwini’s first-ever win over their illustrious opponents and provided a significant boost to their fight to avoid relegation.

For Swallows, the defeat dealt a blow to their aspirations of breaking into the top four as the second round of the league intensifies. Heading into the encounter, Mbabane Swallows came in as clear favourites, boasting an unbeaten record in their last five meetings with Ezulwini United, including a narrow 1-0 victory in the first-round fixture. However, the pressure was on Ezulwini, who remain perilously close to the drop zone, to deliver a performance for the ages.

Suspended

Missing their suspended key player Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, Swallows also faced uncertainties, particularly in their attacking options. The match began cautiously, with both sides probing for weaknesses in their opponent’s set-up. However, it was Ezulwini United who seized the early initiative in the 16th minute. Their dynamic winger, Banele Nkambule, capitalised on a lapse in Swallows’ defence, drilling home a low shot past goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini from the left wing. The goal sent the home fans into raptures while silencing the travelling Swallows supporters.

Ezulwini continued to threaten, with Mpendulo Simelane testing Dlamini from range, forcing the goalkeeper into an acrobatic save. Junior Mazibuko, on loan from Young Buffaloes, proved to be an invaluable addition to Ezulwini’s attack, offering creative options and keeping Swallows’ defenders on edge. Meanwhile, Swallows struggled to find their rhythm, with their talisman Njongo Mazibuko effectively neutralised by Ezulwini’s well-organised defence. The hosts carried their slender 1-0 lead into the interval.

Mbabane Swallows made two bold substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Menzi Sithole and Biko Sibandze in an attempt to inject urgency into their play. While the changes initially breathed life into their attack, Ezulwini United struck a decisive blow in the 73rd minute. Andile Mamba timed his run to perfection, beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past Dlamini from close range to double their advantage.

Surge

A desperate Swallows mounted a late surge, with veteran defender Kingsley Kwakyi coming agonisingly close to pulling one back in injury time. His powerful header from a Nhlanhla Ngwenya corner kick was acrobatically saved by Ezulwini goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula, preserving the home side’s clean sheet. At the final whistle, Ezulwini celebrated a historic and morale-boosting 2-0 victory, their first-ever win over Mbabane Swallows. This result will undoubtedly serve as a massive confidence boost for Ezulwini United as they battle to stay clear of relegation.

For Mbabane Swallows, it is a wake-up call and a reminder that consistency and composure are essential if they are to achieve their ambitions of a top-four finish. Elsewhere, Green Mamba made light work of Rangers to reclaim the top spot with a convincing 3-1 win at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano yesterday. The Correctional Services side are now two points clear of closest challengers Royal Leopard, who are on 36 points.

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