MANZINI – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders staged a spirited comeback from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Ezulwini United.
The two sides faced off in a pulsating MTN Premier League encounter played at a bustling Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
The round seven clash was played out before a vibrant, half-capacity crowd. The atmosphere was electric from the outset, with queues of eager spectators stretching outside the venue well after kick-off, while those inside sought respite from the heat at the refreshments gazebo.
Highlanders Coach Ernest Mavuso was boosted by the return of a key trio—Vusumuzi Vilakati, Ndumiso Dlamini and Msimisi Zwane—restored to the starting XI following injury layoffs. The visitors signalled their intent immediately, with Hopewell Cele skimming the perimeter boards behind Siyabonga Magagula’s goal within the opening minute.
However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock. Siboniso ‘Sweswe’ Motsa capitalised on a defensive error by Highlanders’ Delisa Gama to fire Ezulwini ahead early on.
The hosts, affectionately known as the ‘Stingers’, doubled their advantage in the 25th minute. A corner from former Highlanders forward Mpucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini found Alvin Shabashie, whose effort was deemed to have crossed the line by referee Thulani Sibandze. The decision stood despite a chaotic goal-mouth scramble involving Waheed Abdoul and desperate clearance attempts by the Highlanders defence.
Facing an uphill battle, Highlanders began to find their rhythm. After midfielder Siyabonga Mkhonto fired narrowly wide, Msimisi Zwane offered the visitors a lifeline in the 38th minute. The forward evaded the defensive pairing of Emmanuel Dufai and Fakazi Dlamini to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
In a tactical shuffle just four minutes before the interval, Mavuso replaced goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko with former Ezulwini shot-stopper Innocent Adja, ensuring his side went into the break within touching distance of the Musa Manyatsi-led hosts.
Highlanders spurned a golden opportunity to level matters nine minutes after the restart when Msimisi froze with the goal at his mercy following a perfect cross from Hopewell Cele. However, the pressure eventually told at the hour mark.
After Siyabonga Mkhonto was brought down inside the box, the experienced Vusumuzi Vilakati stepped up to convert the resulting penalty. He dispatched the spot-kick with aplomb, leaving goalkeeper Magagula rooted to the spot to make it 2-2.
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