LIHLE THWALA STEALS POINT FOR GREEN MAMBA

(At UNESWA Sports Ground)

Mbabane Swallows ...........(1) 1
Lulama 2nd  

Green Mamba ...................(0) 1
Lihle 89th

MATSAPHA – In a thrilling encounter in the Under-19 Premier League, Green Mamba snatched a last-gasp equaliser against Mbabane Swallows.

It was Lihle Thwala who sealed a dramatic 1-1 stalemate deep into injury time during the tightly-contested clash played at University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Sports Ground.

The match kicked off at a blistering pace, with Swallows’ Lulama Mkhaliphi striking gold just two minutes in, giving his side an early lead that sent their supporters into raptures. However, Green Mamba were determined to fight back, demonstrating commendable defensive organisation to stem the Swallows’ attacking tide.

In the 10th  minute, Green Mamba nearly found their footing, only to be thwarted by the offside flag as their effort ricocheted off the post. Lulama continued to be a thorn in the side of Green Mamba’s defence, forcing a series of superb saves from their goalkeeper, who was clearly in fine form.

A magnificent cross from Lulama in the 27th  minute found Baphiwe Simelane lurking in the box, but the Green Mamba defence held firm, denying the Swallows a chance to extend their advantage. On the flip side, Green Mamba’s Bandla Matse struggled to carve out a clear opportunity, missing a vital chance as the Swallows’ keeper closed in.

The match took a tense turn when Swallows’ Senkhosi Maseko received a yellow card after a reckless challenge, further heating the contest. Green Mamba squandered a promising set piece, failing to make it count as the ball ricocheted harmlessly off the wall, leaving the first-half at 1-0 in favour of  Swallows.

As the second half unfolded, both teams appeared evenly matched, with goalkeepers from either side pulling off remarkable saves. Swallows began to assert themselves, particularly down the flanks, as they sought to widen their lead.
In the 69th minute, Green Mamba’s Sikhuliso Dlamini came tantalisingly close to drawing level, only to be denied by a spectacular save from the Swallows’ keeper. Moments later, Baphiwe Simelane had a golden opportunity for Swallows in the 71st minute, following a beautifully placed cross from the left.

Lulama had a chance to double Swallows’ lead in the 73rd minute, but his effort only found the side netting. Green Mamba, however, were not deterred, with Bandla Matse missing a free header from a corner in the 76th minute, much to his side’s frustration.

As the game reached its climax, Swallows seemed poised to secure all three points, creating a flurry of chances that kept Green Mamba on the back foot. Yet, in a stunning twist of fate, Thwala emerged as the hero, finding the net in the 89th minute to level the score at 1-1, leaving both sides to share the spoils.

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