(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Ezulwini Utd....(0)0
Ubombo Sugar (0)0
Ubombo Sugar won 3-1 on penalties
Ubombo Sugar goalkeeper Phila Dlamini was a hero, as he made crucial saves to guide his side past Ezulwini United in a dramatic penalty shoot-out last night.
The Lubombo-based side prevailed 3-1 on penalties, as there were no goals in regulation time. With both sides coming off impressive victories against Mbabane Highlanders and Sisonkhe respectively, they faced off last night in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup quarter-final. A crowd of about 1 000 spectators at the Mavuso Sports Centre watched on as the two teams battled for a spot in the semi-finals.
Notably, Ezulwini welcomed back veteran midfielder Mpucuko 'Smoothies' Dlamini from retirement, though he appeared a little rusty. Meanwhile, Melusi 'Vardy' Thwala led the attack for Ubombo Sugar. Chances were few and far between in a tight opening period, and both goalkeepers were rarely tested as the teams went into the break with the score at 0-0.
After a brief stop in the tunnel, Ezulwini completed their half-time team talk at the technical area before returning to the field.
In the second half, Ezulwini upped the pressure, repeatedly testing Ubombo Sugar's goalkeeper Phila Dlamini. In the final minutes of the match, Ubombo tried to create an attack of their own, but their efforts did little to trouble Ezulwini's keeper, Siyabonga Magagula. Against the run of play, Ubombo skipper Samkelo Ginindza forced a brilliant save from Magagula with a glancing header from a goal-mouth scramble with seven minutes remaining.
With the teams still deadlocked after 90 minutes, the match went to penalties. Ubombo Sugar's goalkeeper Dlamini was the hero, saving two spot-kicks to guide his team to a 3-1 victory and a place in the semi-finals. Ubombo Sugar are now guaranteed a minimum of E35 000 in prize money.
Starting teams:
Ubombo Sugar
Phila Dlamini (GK), Samkelo Ginindza, Sabelo Dlamini, Melusi Thwala, Gcina Matsebula, Ayanda Tfwala, Ngcebo Msibi, Sifiso Maziya, Simphiwe Gina, Sambulo Vilakati, Nkosinathi Dlamini
Substitutes
Mbekezeli Hlanze, Sihle Gina, Muzi Mkhonta, Njabulo Dlamini, Avela Mkhumane, Themba Gamedze, Siciniseko Nxumalo, Siko Nkambule, Philiswa Simelane, Mfanufikile Nkambule, Thabiso Mkhwanazi, Lipho Gamedze, Samkelo Mamba
The Lubombo-based side prevailed 3-1 on penalties, as there were no goals in regulation time. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)