Leopard claw back as ‘Weslians’ crumble

(At Mayaluka Stadium)

R. Leopard ………………………3

Junior 4^th, 22^nd, Anas 40^th

M. Wanderers ………………….2

Siyabonga 5^th, Malwande 7^th

BIG BEND – A glimmer of hope evaporated into despair for Manzini Wanderers as they narrowly succumbed 3-2 to Royal Leopard in a pulsating encounter yesterday.

The ‘Weslians’ initially defied their bottom-of-the-log status with a spirited early surge, but they ultimately buckled under the relentless pressure of the police side.

This fiercely contested MTN Premier League Week 14 clash, staged at a lacklustre Mayaluka Stadium, saw Wanderers parade new signings Sandile Maseko and former Mbabane Highlanders forward Linda Nkambule.

The Manzini giants were forced to hand Fisokuhle Shongwe a start in goal, replacing the suspended Mozambican international Mario Jamine. Leopard wasted no time making their intentions clear, breaking the deadlock after just four minutes.

Captain Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula unleashed a stinging drive from outside the box that left the Wanderers backline rooted.

However, the lead lasted only 60 seconds. Siyabonga Xaba capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Leopard’s seasoned keeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini, who was caught out of position to level the scores.

Two minutes later, Gcina Dlamini’s charges stunned the hosts by taking the lead.

Malwande Gwebu found an empty net after latching onto a beautifully crafted delivery from Sandile Maseko.

The seesaw battle continued as ‘Shisa Gesi’ restored parity in the 22^nd minute, completing his brace with a sensational 40-yard volley that left Shongwe dejected.

Edwin Matsebula’s troops then surged ahead, five minutes before the break. A slick passing move involving Junior and Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini found Mohammed Anas, who finished clinically, making it 3-2.

Upon the resumption, Wanderers pushed desperately for an equaliser.

*Full article available on Pressreader*