Philani hat-trick records historic win for Sea Birds

(At Mayaluka Stadium)

Malanti…………………………………….(0) 0

Sea Birds………………………………….(0) 3

Philani 58^th (P), 77^th, 90+1^st

BIG BEND – It never rained but poured for Malanti Chiefs after suffering a 0-3 blow to Manzini Sea Birds.

This was during a pulsating Ingwenyama Cup quarter-finals encounter staged under wet Mayaluka Stadium skies before a sizable crowd of spectators yesterday.

Among the notable attendees was Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane. On the field, Bafana Bemboyi appeared to have batteries fully charged for this battle, with Isaac Yeboah looking to test Lindani ‘Kitso’ Mtsetfwa inside 10 minutes.

However, the tall sticks of Mpendulo Tfomo ruined his plans. Alternatively, Sanele Mamba looked like he was kept closed inside a glass jar with Sea Birds Captain Gcinizwi Dlamini clearing his short. Meanwhile, Mthokozisi ‘Juninho’ Gwebu tried to find Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza at the 22^nd minute, but Sandile Mazibuko stood in his way.

Kitso was finally tested when Yeboah saw an opportunity on target, yet comfortably saved this shot. Reversely, Mkasabuli met well with Suarez five minutes later and converted, but Bongiswa ‘Khune’ Dlamini was alert enough to make a save. Before the break, Gwebu gelled well with Joseph Kibonge, however, a weak ball amounted to nothing, leaving Gwebu disappointed. With both teams having crafted numerous chances, the score remained goalless when referee Njabulo Siphepho signalled for a breather.

Sea Birds attacking midfielder stole the spotlight, netting his first hat-trick of Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF). This victory earns ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ a place in the semi-finals of Eswatini’s biggest knockout known for seamlessly blending football and culture. A lucrative E1.45 million is guaranteed for eventual champions. Of this, the last four teams are guaranteed E225 000 each. It was the first time Friday Myeni’s charges reached this level of the competition. Their best finish was elimination in the quarter-finals of last season. Meanwhile, Malanti Chiefs will be compensated E75 000 package allocated quarter-finalists.

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