G. Mamba inflict 1st defeat on rookies Professionals

(At Killarney Sports Ground)

P.P. Professionals …..0

Green Mamba ……….2

Nhlanhla 24^th, Ghana 79^th

PIGG’S PEAK – Green Mamba maintained their bright start to the season, extending their unbeaten run to three matches with a commanding 2-0 victory over Pigg’s Peak Professionals at Killarney Sports Ground yesterday.

The result handed Professionals their first defeat of the campaign, while Green Mamba continued to build momentum after opening their season with a goalless draw against Mbabane Highlanders before beating Tabankulu Celtics 2-0.

Professionals, meanwhile, had drawn 1-1 against Madlenya in their previous outing after opening their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Red Rhinos.

Green Mamba drew first blood in the 24^th minute when Nhlanhla Ngwenya tapped home from close range, beating Professionals goalkeeper Michael Blankson to give the visitors a deserved lead.

However, Professionals were not short of ambition. They came close to restoring parity four minutes later through a moment of individual brilliance from Ayanda Masinga.

The forward embarked on a dazzling solo run from near the halfway line, weaving his way past opponents before reaching the penalty area.

He then picked out former Mbabane Highlanders star Siwakhile Shongwe, whose low effort was kept out by Green Mamba goalkeeper Lindokuhle Manda in the 28^th minute.

Masinga continued to torment the Green Mamba defence with his dribbling, creativity and attempts on goal, but his enterprising display ultimately went unrewarded as Professionals struggled to convert their chances.

Green Mamba, meanwhile, remained disciplined and patient, waiting for their moment to deliver the decisive blow.

That moment arrived in the 79^th minute when Sandile ‘Ghana’ Ngcamphalala found the net to double Green Mamba’s advantage and put the result beyond the hosts’ reach.

It was a clinical finish to a performance in which Green Mamba combined defensive resilience with efficiency in front of goal. Masinga was arguably Professionals’ standout performer, repeatedly creating opportunities and taking on defenders, but the home side lacked the finishing touch to turn his individual brilliance into a positive result.

Notably, Professionals were without Njabulo Tfwala, who was reportedly at work. His absence raised questions about player availability, particularly in fixtures involving clubs whose players may be restricted from featuring against their parent teams when on loan.