MINNOWS SISONKHE CASTRATE 'BULL'

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Sisonkhe ...........................(0) 2
Kwanele 55th , Thando 58th

Mbabane Highlanders......(1) 0
Siphamandla 21st

MANZINI – MTN Premier League newcomers Sisonkhe pulled off a remarkable comeback yesterday, turning the tables on wasteful capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders, with a 2-1 victory.

Highlanders drew first blood in the match, having been the favourites to win, with striker Siphamandla ‘24 Reasons’ Maseko finding the back of the net in the 21st  minute.

However, the relegation-threatened Sisonkhe responded late, cancelling out the lead and ultimately taking charge with goals from Kwanele Lukhele and Thando Sithole.

This victory, while not altering their log standing, as they remain just one spot above the relegation zone, ended their five-game winless streak and injected fresh hope into their campaign.

In so doing, they also handed Coach Meck Mwase his first league defeat, breaking his three-game unbeaten run. Highlanders, meanwhile, remain stuck in 10th place, with much to ponder.

dominating

The ‘Bull’ can only blame themselves after dominating the first half, but failing to convert their chances, while Sisonkhe’s goalkeeper, Thembelihle Malaza, emerged as a key player. Malaza denied Fabrice Mopina an early breakthrough in the 18th  minute, thwarting him from close range after ‘24 Reasons’ had chipped the ball over the defence, allowing Mopina to advance.

The breakthrough finally came two minutes later when ‘24 Reasons’ fired his team ahead, taking advantage of a moment when the ‘Banumzane’ defence was caught flat-footed, with an assist from Siyabonga Mkhonto.

Despite the setback, the rookies refused to hit the panic button, pressing for an equaliser that eluded them in the first half. Malaza continued to shine, denying ‘24 Reasons’ a brace and keeping Highlanders at bay during a goalmouth scramble just before half-time. After the restart, Sisonkhe had the upper hand, showing intent to level matters.

Just 10 minutes in, Kwanele Lukhele equalised with a long-range in-swinger that found its way into the net, leaving Highlanders reeling. Before they could regroup, Sisonkhe doubled their advantage.

Thando Sithole slipped past his marker and delivered a cross that cut through a forest of Highlanders defenders, allowing Thabiso Sithole to hammer it home.

This stirred the city giants, who began to take charge as they sought to level the score. Substitute Kenneth Moloto became the game changer, initiating a series of attacks into the box, but none bore fruit before the final whistle.

Sisonkhe’s defence held firm, frustrating both Highlanders and their crowd, who could hardly believe that Sisonkhe had pulled off a double over them this season, having also beaten the Highlanders 2-0 in their first-round encounter.

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