Malanti deny ‘Bull’ top spot

(At Killarney Sports Ground)

Malanti Chiefs ……………..(1)1

Yeboah 9^th

Mbabane Highlanders ….(1)1

Siwakhile 35^th

PIGG’S PEAK – Malanti Chiefs denied Mbabane Highlanders a chance to ascend to the summit of the MTN Premier League table.

This follows a hard-fought 1-1 draw at a buzzing Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg’s Peak yesterday afternoon. The encounter drew an impressive crowd of over 1 000 spectators, among them were Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini and Highlanders President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, alongside other dignitaries. Notably absent, however, was club Chairman Andile Mpisane.

The result proved costly for Highlanders, who missed the opportunity to go top of the log. Instead, they slipped out of the top six with eight points, while Malanti Chiefs climbed from sixth to fourth.

The stalemate means Malanti remain unbeaten in five league outings this season – their resilience extending a fascinating head-to-head record between the two sides. Since the 2014/15 campaign, the teams have now met 13 times, producing five draws, six Highlanders wins and three for Malanti.

For Highlanders, it was another frustrating afternoon following last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manzini Wanderers, leaving them with just two points from a possible six in consecutive matches.

The visitors were stunned early when Isaac Yeboah unleashed a thunderous 40-yard strike in the ninth minute, beating goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko with a dipping effort that silenced the Highlanders end.

The recently refurbished Killarney Sports Ground – which underwent a E200 000 facelift, courtesy of the Pigg’s Peak Town Council – provided the perfect backdrop for the top-flight clash.

Coach Sreten Pavlović’s Malanti side stuck to their usual starting eleven, while Highlanders’ gaffer Ernest Mavuso opted to keep pacey winger Sphiwe Cele, Ayanda Mabuza and Siphamandla Maseko on the bench.

Highlanders drew level in the 35^th minute after Delisa Gama’s shot was handled inside the area by Malanti Captain Sifiso Makhubu.

Siwakhile Shongwe stepped up and dispatched the penalty with composure, sending goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini the wrong way to make it 1-1.

After the break, Mavuso introduced Cele to inject pace and later brought on Siphamandla Maseko for Shongwe in the 65^th minute.

Despite the fresh legs, both teams struggled in the final third and were often wasteful when presented with scoring chances.

Highlanders came closest late on when Bongumenzi Fakudze’s powerful header was spectacularly saved by Dlamini 10 minutes from time – ensuring Malanti held on for a share of the spoils.