(At Nsukuwansuku Stadium)
Sea Birds…………. (0) 1
Kibonge 83rd
Amawele…………. (0) 2
Lethukukhanya 63rd, Mhlengi 90+7
MHLUME – Tempers flared as Manzini Sea Birds saw their title dreams go up in smoke following a 2–1 defeat to league minnows Amawele.
A chaotic clash unfolded under clear skies at Nsukuwansuku Stadium yesterday before a sizeable crowd. The two sides faced off in a crucial MTN Premier League Week 26 encounter, but the match was marred by violence. A fight broke out, forcing a temporary stoppage as police scrambled to contain the situation.
The spark was ignited when an individual wearing an Amawele replica shirt invaded the pitch and threw an unknown item into Amawele goalkeeper Andile ‘Khune’ Zwane’s goalmouth.
Frustrated Izinyoni Zolwandle spectators sprinted onto the pitch and manhandled the intruder, prompting officials to halt play. In the ensuing melee, the instigator brandished a screwdriver and allegedly stabbed a Sea Birds official, yet surprisingly, no arrests were made.
The discipline on the pitch also crumbled, resulting in two red cards; substitute Mthokozisi ‘Juninho’ Gwebu was shown a straight red, while Mpendulo Tfomo also received his marching orders.
In another bizarre moment, a Sea Birds affiliate attempted to throw a punch, but slipped. Before play could resume, a Sea Birds official required medical assistance, with his head needing bandaging following the fierce confrontation. The drama did not end with the whistle; immediately after referee Sibonelo Mbuyisa blew for full-time, officials were briefly held hostage as Sea Birds players’ emotions boiled over into a confrontation.
Amawele, with relegation knocking loudly at the door, desperately needed the points. This victory boosts their hopes of securing 13th place, the play-off slot.
However, it remains a mountain to climb as they sit four points behind Malanti Chiefs with only four games remaining.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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