Sin‰iœini Con–in—E winnin‰ s–rEAǡ Œ—’ –o ͵
R. Bamako ........ (1)3
Leopard ............ (1)1
Real Bamako won 4-2 on aggregate
MBABANE – Unlucky!
Eswatini’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup envoys Royal Leopard’s journey was cut short last night after a 1-3 loss on the day and 2-4 on aggregate away in Bamako, Mali.
Edwin Matsebula’s men were at Stade du 26 Mars, which is located in the southern neighbourhood of Bamako, Mali, for the decisive TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup play-off second leg clash against the hosts AS Real de Bamako.
Having been held to 1-all draw at home last week, the Eswatini outfit needed to grind the result on the road to ensure passage to the group stages, where they were guaranteed a bounty of about E5 million in yesterday’s exchange rate.
Despite arriving hours before the clash due to a delay in securing tickets for flights, Leopard had shown no respect for the illustrious opponents, as they drew first blood as early as the fourth minute. They were in control until added time of the opening half
Madlenya ....... (0)1
Sethu 72nd
N. Hotspurs...(1)2
Senzo 27th, Sibusiso 82nd
BIG BEND – A goal in each half was enough to hand Nsingizini Hotspurs their second MTN Premier League win in two matches.
The Shiselweni outfit, buoyed by their stunning inaugural MoMo Cup success this past Sunday, went ahead three minutes before the half-hour mark.
It was midfielder Bavukile Shabangu who finished off a gift wrapped ball at just outside the box after the goalkeeper, Mndeni Lukhele, had come out of his area, only to see his clearance blocked by his own defender Mfundo Gamedze and fell for the scorer. His work was so simple he only had to pass the ball into an empty net. It was a deserved lead for the elite side against their fellow rookies.
Before the goal, Nsingizini had already tested Lukhele twice but he was equal to the task with Man of the Match Phila Dlamini exceptional in midfield and could have scored inside the opening five minutes.
There was little to talk about for Madlenya who only had a fruitless corner before they came back stronger in the last stanza. Both sides introduced fresh legs but it was Madlenya’s attacking midfielder Njabulo Gamedze who was the difference for the home team.
His introduction saw more scoring chances created and wasted as they took the game to Nsingizini and deservedly equalised in the 72nd through when the home side restored parity to ensure the teams went to the breather level-pegging.
Doubled
On resumption of play, the side from Mali’s capital city engaged the second gear. They doubled their advantage in the 54th minute to make it 3-2 on aggregate. Leopard needed
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Phila Dlamini (N. Hotspurs) - He is one to watch as the season gains momentum. He is calm and collected in the midfield and sprays the balk to his teammates with intent. He also follows up brilliantly behind the forwards such that he had two chances at goal before having a hard in first goal.
right wing midfielder Sethu Ngcamphalala. The latter also had light work as he only side footed the ball into goal, with the goalkeeper Sibusiso Dlamini nowhere after he parried the initial shot by Njabulo Gamedze.
Just as Madlenya pressed for a second goal, the visitors made three changes at once but still, they were second fiddle to the hosts only to score the winner through a counter mixed with poor defending by Thabiso Dlamini, who had the ball on his feet to clear but took it straight to his rival. Former Mbabane Highlanders striker Sibusiso Tfwala, who also came from the bench headed home from close range a cross by Thubelihle Mavuso who dispossessed him and crossed the ball.
Deny
The second assistant referee Bhekisisa Bhembe appeared to flag for a foul on the defender but referee Thulani Sibandze waved play on. Nsingizini had just been denied a good chance by goalkeeper Lukhele who tipped a goal-bound header to see it come of the upright to deny Thubelihle a goal. There was no coming back for Madlenya who ran out of time and now have to redeem themselves against tough giants Highlanders this weekend.
They remain fourth in the standings despite the loss while Nsingizini to pull one back to stand a chance of winning on away goals, but the home side hit the last nail in the coffin to make the game beyond their reach a minute from time.
Notably, Coach Matsebula had unleashed the best from his arsenal, as he gave the nod to seasoned cam paigners who included the returning
LOG STANDINGS MTN PREMIER LEAGUE MTN FIRST DIVISION LEAGUE
moved up from 11th to third on six points and are set to play the log leaders Young Buffaloes next.
PRIZE MONEY:
4th in group
3rd in group Quarter-finalists Semi-finalists Runners-up Champions
– E4.9m
– E4.9m
– E6.2 million each – E7.9 million each – E11.1 million – E22.2 million
forward Sifiso Matse, skipper Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini, Lungelo Tsabedze and Junior Magagula, to mention but a few. However, in goals Ncamiso ‘Mbhoyo’ Dlamini was overlooked, as the less experienced Mlamuli Makhanya was preferred again.
The result confirmed Leopard’s worst fears. They were hoping to at least reach the group stages to boost their coffers following reports suggesting that they were E2 million in the red due to previous travelling costs.
Efforts to get comments from Matsebula and skipper Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini were fruitless by late last night.
TEAMS:
Madlenya - Mndeni Lukhele, Senzo Fakudze, Sithembiso Msibi, Gift Gamedze, Mfundo Gamedze, Sehluko Nkabindze (Thabiso Dlamini), Thobelani Gamedze, Sethu Ngcamphalala, Senzo Shongwe, Sebenele Gamedze (Njabulo Gamedze), Njabulo Maziya.
N. Hotspurs - Sibusiso Dlamini, Mncedisi Dlamini, Lucky Gamedze, Baffour Awuah, Ncamiso Thwala (Philani Nhleko), Phila Dlamini (Malibongwe Mabuza), Sibusiso Masuku, Mancoba Vilakati, Melusi Thwala (SibusisoTfwala), Bavukile Shabangu, Thubelihle Mavuso (Sifiso Makhubu).