‘Bull’ completes double over Ezulwini, in top five
Ezulwini Utd ............ 0 M. Highlanders ........ 1
Menzi 46th
MANZINI – Mbabane Highlanders completed a double over Ezulwini United, securing a thrilling 1-0 victory over Ezulwini United in an MTN Premier League game played here yesterday.
Menzi Sithole, the standout player of the match, delivered the decisive goal, propelling Inkunzi Emnyama within striking distance of the league leaders, while dealing a shocking blow to Ezulwini United, who now find themselves in the relegation zone battle. The ‘Black Bull’ had previously triumphed over Ezulwini with a commanding 3-1 win in the first round, and yesterday, they achieved a remarkable double in front of a boisterous crowd of over 500 fans at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
With the victory, Highlanders narrowed the gap between themselves and the log leaders Royal Leopard to a mere five points, ascending one place on the ladder with a total of 26 points from 16 games. On the other hand, Ezulwini remain stuck in second-to-last position, accumulating 12 points from the same number of matches.
In the early stages of the game, Ezulwini United goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula was forced to work tirelessly, making three impressive saves within the first 30 minutes. He first denied Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto from the left flank and then thwarted Kenneth Moloto’s powerful volley from the edge of the box. Magagula’s heroics continued as he stopped a fierce ground shot from Emmanuel Owusu Ansah.
Unfortunately, Andile Mamba suffered an injury near the end of the first half and had to be stretchered off, initially raising concerns of a broken arm. However, it was later revealed to be a minor dislocation. Thabiso Sithole was brought in as a replacement for Mamba.
After the halftime break, Highlanders picked up where they left off, and just one minute into the second half, Sithole found the back of the net. Sithole capitalised on a chance from the right flank, beating goalkeeper Magagula, who had ventured out of his box, leaving the post unguarded. Although a defender attempted to clear the ball off the line, it was too late as the ball had already crossed over.
Highlanders’ Thami Zulu committed a handball at the edge of the box, but the resulting free-kick was missed by Mthobisi Zwane. In a close call, Msimisi Zwane came close to equalising for the home side, but a spectacular save from Khanyakezwe Shabalala denied him 20 minutes before the full-time whistle.
The visitors who will clash against the same opponents in the Ingwenyama Cup quarter-finals, almost doubled their lead through Sibusiso Tfwala, but Mandla Palma, playing against his former team, managed to block the shot with the goalkeeper out of position, 10 minutes before the end of the game.