Venomous Mamba reclaim summit
MHLUME – Defending champions Green Mamba thumped Madlenya 5-1 in a entertaining MTN Premier League game that played here yesterday under scorching conditions.
The Ernest Mavuso led side, bounced back from their shocking 0-1 loss against Moneni Pirates last week, securing an impressive victory in the MTN Premier League. This win took the Correctional Services side back to the top of the standings with 34 points. Title contenders Young Buffaloes could take the pole spot if they win against Ezulwini United today, and Royal Leopard, who were at the top before yesterday’s match, will play their rescheduled game against Denver Sundowns on Thursday after it was postponed.
The home side continued their impressive dominance over the Lubombo-based team, as they completed a double over Madlenya. Goals from
Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who opened the floodgates, and Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula, who scored a brace, and Mbutfo Dlamini, contributed to the home side’s victory. The final nail in the coffin came from second-half substitute Kwenzokuhle Khumalo. The away side managed to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot, after goalkeeper Xolani Gama fouled their striker Melusi ‘Vardy’ Tfwala, who stepped up and converted. Earlier in the match, Jozi Gobana defender Thabiso Dlamini missed a penalty, which was brilliantly saved by Gama. Despite Madlenya’s offensive efforts, Gama had a relatively quiet game, as they struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
The match began started lively as both teams launched a series of attacks in search of an early goal. It was the hosts, Green Mamba, who eventually broke the deadlock Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa to take his tally to 12 goals. He received low cross from Man of the Match Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula and made no mistake but channel the ball behind Goalkeeper Dumsani Dlamini, who was left helpless.
The home side continued to apply pressure and was rewarded again in the 23rd minute when Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’ Manana burst forward on the left flank and delivered a wellplaced pass to Mshishi, who volleyed the ball home, extending Green Mamba’s lead to 2-0.The situation worsened for the Lubombo-based side when Mshishi scored his second goal just moments later. He executed a beautiful one-two with ‘Sikhali’ before unleashing a powerful shot from just inside the box, extending Green Mamba’s lead to 3-0.
The match seemed like a training session for the Inyoka Eluhlazane players, as they continued to dominate the one-sided affair. Just before halftime, they scored their fourth goal, through attacking midfielder Mbutfu Dlamini. Dlamini converted a left-footed shot from inside the box after a well-timed cross from Mshishi.
Despite their best efforts, Madlenya could only manage to contain the rampant Green Mamba side for the remainder of the half. The damage had already been done, as the four first-half goals secured an impressive lead for Green Mamba.
After the restart, the William Gamedze side had more possession, and in the 48th minute, they were awarded a penalty when Melusi ‘Vardy’ Thwala was fouled inside the box. Thabiso Dlamini stepped up, but had his shot saved by goalkeeper Xolani Gama.
In the 68th minute, Green Mamba capitaliszed on their missed opportunity, with second-half substitute Kwenzokuhle Khumalo scoring a powerful header from just inside the box, after a cross from Mbutfo Dlamini on the right flank.
As the away side continued to push for a late consolation goal, they were eventually rewarded when ‘Vardy’ scored from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Xolani Gama was adjudged to have fouled him. This goal, scored in the final moments of the game, served as a consolation for Madlenya FC. Ultimately, the Correctional Services side secured a decisive victory, returning to their winning ways and reclaiming the summit from Royal Leopard.