(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Wanderers………………..(1) 1
Gwebu 25th
Sisonkhe………………….(0) 1
Nhlabatsi 63th
MANZINI — The battle to escape the drop remains as fierce as ever after relegation-threatened Manzini Wanderers and Sisonkhe ground out a 1-all draw.
The sides occupying the last two places on the charts faced off in a compelling MTN Premier League encounter at the Mavuso Sports Centre last night.
Despite the cool, damp weather and looming dark skies near Manzini’s bustling transport hub, a respectable crowd turned out to lend their support to the struggling sides in this crucial Week 10 fixture.
The opening exchanges saw early chances spurned. Wanderers forward Siyabonga Xaba was first to err, looking rooted to the spot as he failed to convert a clear opportunity just nine minutes in. Sisonkhe’s star man Njabulo Gama was then denied a sight of goal seven minutes later, his efforts expertly stifled by Weslians Captain and defender Sibusiso Manana, preventing a serious threat to goalkeeper Mario Jamine’s net.
Wanderers finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, much to the delight of the Manzini faithful. A clinical pass from Sizolwethu Mdvoti found Malwande Gwebu, who demonstrated composure by letting the ball run across his right foot before placing a measured shot past Lungelo Maziya. The advantage, however, was immediately threatened. Two minutes after the goal, a strong backline marshalled by Gcina Dlamini, featuring Nhlanhla Vilane and Mcondisi Ndzimandze, had to be at their best to block Mukelo ‘Msiwi’ Nhlabatsi’s immediate attempt at an equaliser. With both sides creating numerous opportunities in a lively first half, the Weslians held a slender 1-0 lead at the break.
Following the restart, Mbongiseni Mamba’s men pressed for parity. Gama came close, attempting a spectacular bicycle kick, only to see it fail to trouble the assured Jamine. At the other end, Gwebu’s bid for a brace sailed harmlessly wide. The equaliser eventually came just three minutes after the hour mark when ‘Msiwi’ Nhlabatsi netted from close range.
Wanderers pushed hard to restore their lead. Mayibongwe Sacolo connected well with a set piece on the edge of the box, but Sisonkhe substitute defender Siboniso Ngomane was perfectly positioned inside the 70th minute to clear the danger. Maziya, the Sisonkhe goalkeeper, was clearly rattled moments later, requiring medical attention after Gwebu’s powerful pass shaved the post. Despite a flurry of attacking and defensive adjustments by both benches, neither team could force a winner before referee Celumusa Siphepho sounded the final whistle.
The draw leaves Sisonkhe on seven points, occupying 15th place, while Wanderers remain rooted to the bottom of the table with six points from 10 games.
LINE-UPS:
Manzini Wanderers: Jamine (GK), Manana (C), Vilane, Halid, Xaba (Simelane), Sacolo, Nkonyane (Dludlu), Gwebu, Mdvoti (Ndzinisa), Ndzimandze, Gamedze (Dlamini)
Sisonkhe: Maziya (GK), Msimisi Dlamini (C), Nhlabatsi, Bhemben (Celani Dlamini), Mthethwa (Ngomane), Gule, Mavuso, Lindokuhle Dlamini, Gama (Motsa), Khumalo, Menzi Dludlu (Mthembu)
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