Football

(Mavuso Sports Centre)

M.Wanderers…….(1)2

Siyabonga 42^nd, Mlaba 75^th, Jamine (red card 79^th)

M.Highlanders…….(0)2

Thando 56^th,Bongumenzi 88^th

MANZINI — Ten-man Manzini Wanderers pulled off a gritty performance to earn a point against high-flying Mbabane Highlanders — despite finishing the match without a recognised goalkeeper.

In a contest that had everything, from red cards to late drama, Wanderers’ keeper Mario Jamine saw red 10 minutes from time for handling the ball outside the box.

With all five substitutions already made, midfielder Mphumuzo Ginindza was forced to don the gloves for the final stretch.

The makeshift stopper’s heroics, however, could not prevent the inevitable — as Highlanders’ Bongumenzi Khumalo rifled home a volley two minutes from time to level matters at 2–2.

The result was a bitter blow for Highlanders, who missed the chance to leap into the top two.

Instead, they remain fourth with seven points, while Wanderers moved one place up to 14^th after four games – a minor but morale-boosting lift under new Coach Gcina Dlamini, who joined from Ubombo Sugar FC.

Highlanders’ Coach Gcina Dlamini made some bold calls, benching regular starters Siyabonga Mkhonto, Sphiwe Cele and Siwakhile Shongwe, while crowd favourite Andile Mpisane was a surprise omission from the matchday squad.

Bull dominated the early exchanges but could not find the breakthrough. Wanderers’ goalkeeper Jamine nearly gifted Highlanders the opener on the half-hour mark after fumbling a cross – but Msimisi Zwane ballooned his effort over from close range.

Wanderers, who struggled to piece together meaningful attacks, stunned the visitors in the 42^nd minute. A fierce volley from Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule was spilled by Highlanders’ keeper Nkosingiphile Maseko, allowing Siyabonga Xaba to pounce and tap home the rebound.

Moments before the break, Siphamandla Maseko almost hit back for the Weslians, but Jamine redeemed himself with a brilliant stop to preserve Wanderers’ lead at half-time.

Highlanders finally drew level in the 56^th minute when Thando Dube slotted home after Ayanda ‘Shoes’ Mabuza shot was parried into his path. The equaliser sparked life into the Bull, especially after the introduction of Cele and Shongwe, who injected much-needed pace and purpose.

However, Wanderers refused to roll over. On the hour mark, Mlaba Nkambule, returning from a long injury layoff, unleashed a thunderous volley that sailed just over the bar – a warning of what was to come.

Fifteen minutes later, Mlaba made no mistake. Latching onto a through ball, he coolly curled his shot beyond Maseko into the far corner, restoring Wanderers’ lead and sending the home fans into raptures.

Then came the turning point – Jamine’s red card in the 79^th minute. The goalkeeper charged off his line and blatantly handled the ball outside his area, leaving referee Wandile Mamba with no choice but to send him packing.

With no substitutions left, midfielder Mphumuzo Ginindza stepped into goal – and nearly pulled off the unthinkable. He denied Zwane once but was left helpless when Khumalo’s late volley nestled into the net on 88 minutes.

The stalemate marked the eighth draw in 20 meetings between the two clubs since 2014. The last clash, on May 11, 2024, saw Highlanders run riot with a 6–1 win – but this time, the Weslians refused to be bullied.

Both sides had golden chances in stoppage time to snatch the win, but poor finishing left the honours even.

For Wanderers, it was a performance built on grit and desperation. For Highlanders, it was a case of two points dropped – and one golden opportunity gone begging.

Mbabane Highlanders’ Vusimuzi Vilakati (L) and Delisa Gama try to stop Manzini Wanderers’ Mcondisi Ndzimandze (L) during yesterday’s thrilling match, which finished in a 2-2 draw. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)