(At Mayaluka Stadium)
Ubombo Sugar.................. 0
Nsingizini Hotspurs......... 1
Senzo 42nd
BIG BEND – Beneath a punishing Lowveld sun at Mayaluka Stadium, a moment of quality proved decisive. Senzo Ndlovu’s first-half strike separated the sides, as Nsingizini Hotspurs secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Ubombo Sugar on their own turf.
The MTN Premier League defending champions now sit six points clear at the summit, capitalising on Young Buffaloes’ dramatic 3-2 defeat to Rangers at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. Elsewhere, Manzini Sea Birds edged past Tabankulu Celtics 1-0 to climb to 35 points and leapfrog the faltering Buffaloes. The title race tilts ever so gently towards Nsingizini, who look poised and purposeful in their defence of the crown.
Having already secured a 2-0 triumph in the reverse fixture, Hotspurs completed the double over Ubombo. They arrived fresh from their controversial 1-0 victory over Mbabane Highlanders, a match abandoned due to a pitch invasion, while Ubombo, sitting 12th on 21 points, had tasted victory against Ezulwini United before stumbling here.
Inside the opening quarter-hour, Daniel Onkunrinmeta came within inches of breaking the deadlock, his venomous volley whistling narrowly wide. The breakthrough, however, arrived in the 42nd minute. Thubelihle Mavuso delivered a precise ball and Ndlovu applied the finishing touch to ignite wild celebrations among the travelling faithful.
Ubombo’s supporters refused to be silenced, their songs rising defiantly even while in arrears. On the stroke of half-time, Yeki Khumalo’s inviting cross found Ayanda Gadlela, but the subsequent header drifted agonisingly off target, a golden chance to double the advantage was spurned. The interval arrived with Nsingizini leading 1-0.
The second half simmered with tension. On 65 minutes, Ndlovu nearly doubled his tally, stretching to meet Luyanda Nhlengetfwa’s cross, but missing by a whisper. Ubombo responded in the 70th minute, with Innocent Dlamini unleashing a thunderous volley that almost restored parity.
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Danger averted. Ubombo Sugar’s Innocent Adja is forced into a hurried clearance as a predatory Senzo Ndlovu closes in for Nsingizini Hotspurs. (Pic: Sanele Jele)