(At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Green Mamba…………1
Sikhali 47th
Sea Birds………………..2
Philani 15th, Joseph 73rd
SITEKI – Manzini Sea Birds finally notched their first win of the season yesterday, defeating a stunned Green Mamba 2-1 in a fierce MTN Premier League match staged under scorching heat at the KaLanga Technical Centre.
The victory, secured before a sizeable crowd, was the first time ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ had overcome the Correctional Services side in six league encounters, making the upset all the more significant.
The match started quickly, and just 15 minutes in, Sea Birds Captain Muzi Tsabedze created the opener. He delivered a well-weighted pass to Philani Mkhonto, who comfortably controlled the ball with his right foot before slotting it past a helpless Green Mamba goalkeeper, Xolani Gama.
Green Mamba, featuring the highly-anticipated debut of midfield maestro Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, should have equalised eight minutes later. Sikhondze delivered a precise double square ball that found striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa in the ideal position. However, a scrambling Sea Birds defence, led by defensive midfielder Mpendulo Tfomo and full-back Ndumiso ‘Tower’ Ndaba, held firm and cleared the danger. The home side failed to convert two more chances before the break, their attacking players appearing sluggish in the heat, leaving Sea Birds with a 1-0 lead at the interval.
The hosts returned from the breather energised and found parity just two minutes into the second half. Ndzinisa, looking to atone for his earlier misses, produced a moment of spectacular brilliance, finishing off Bhekani Mthembu’s neat pass, set up from Sikhondze’s corner with a magnificent bicycle kick.
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