DUBE BRACE BULL-DOZES SEA BIRDS

M. Highlanders………(1) 2
Thando 31st , 50th

M. Sea Birds………….(1) 1
‘Suarez’ 15th  

MANZINI — A sleeping giant is awake!

Mbabane Highlanders soared to victory, emerging triumphant 2-1 against Manzini Sea Birds in a thrilling encounter. Under the fresh guidance of Malawian Coach Meck Mwase, the ‘Black Bull’ found their hero in the form of Thando Dube, whose two exquisite strikes catalysed a resounding win, propelling them to 10th  place with 20 points.

Meanwhile, the Sea Birds, who were vying for a coveted seventh spot, found themselves stagnant in ninth place with 21 points. This triumph took on the hue of sweet revenge for the Highlanders, having suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the same opponents in the first round of fixtures. As the action unfolded, Highlanders’ Fabrice Mopina almost provided the home side with an early lead, his header cleared off the line by a valiant Ndumiso Ndaba of  Sea Birds just five minutes in. The momentum shifted when the visitors struck first, with Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza deftly finishing from the right flank in the 15th minute, sending the Sea Birds into rapturous celebration. 

Sea Birds’ lead could have doubled in the 25th  minute, but a fierce volley from Muzi Tsabedze was heroically cleared by Highlanders’ Thabo Langa before it could cross the goal line. 

Tenacity

However, Highlanders were quick to respond, with Dube showcasing exceptional skill and tenacity as he carved through the Sea Birds’ defence on the left flank. In the 31st  minute, he unleashed a powerful volley that found the back of the net, igniting jubilant scenes among the ‘Black Bull’ faithful. The match continued at a frenetic pace, with the Mkhonto brothers orchestrating several dangerous attacks, but the teams retreated at the half with the score level at 1-1. 

Moments after the break, Highlanders reclaimed the lead. A precise interchange of passes culminated in Dube completing his brace just five minutes into the second half, with a deft low tap that left goalkeeper Lindelani Mtsetfwa helpless. 

In a missed opportunity, Siyabonga Mkhonto squandered a golden chance to extend the lead in the 72nd  minute, shooting wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. 

Sea Birds pressed for an equaliser, and in a nail-biting moment at full time, Philani Mkhonto came close, but a masterful save from Highlanders’ keeper Qiniso Nyawo preserved the lead and secured the victory.

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