G. Mamba drop points in fierce encounter
(At Nsukuwansuku Stadium) Green Mamba ................ (0)0 M.Sea Birds ................... (0) 0
MHLUME – Green Mamba missed the opportunity to catch up with log leaders Young Buffaloes after being held to a goalless draw by Manzini Sea Birds yesterday.
The Correctional Services side, who face Mbabane Swallows in the highly-anticipated Ingwenyama Cup final on Sunday at Somhlolo Stadium, have now dropped to fourth place on the charts with 35 points, while Izinyoni Zolwandle remain in ninth position with 23 points.
Possession
The visitors controlled possession from the start, yet the hosts found it challenging to penetrate Inyoka Eluhlazane’s defence and test their second-choice goalkeeper, Siyabonga Simelane, who made a rare start with Xolani ‘ ‘Xoxo’ Gama rested ahead of the final. As the match progressed, Sea Birds grew more confident, nearly scoring when attacking midfielder Mthokozisi Gwebu’s header soared over the crossbar, exposing the home side’s defence in the 11th minute. Both teams created opportunities as halftime approached; Peter ‘Beast’ Dlamini forced a save from the visitors’ goalkeeper, Bafana Ngwenya, with a shot from outside the box. In response, Sea Birds’ forward Muzi Tsabedze’s slow, low volley was easily stopped by Siyabonga Simelane. The first half ended with a 0-0 score line as both teams failed to capitalise on their chances.
The defending champions looked threatening at the start of the second half. Five minutes after the restart, Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’Manana was denied by a spectacular save from Bafana Ngwenya.
Struggled
As Ernest Mavuso’s side struggled to capitalise on their dominance, Sibusiso Mngometulu’s team began to regain control. Siyabonga had to be at his best, tipping a powerful shot by striker Joseph Kibonge over the bar, followed by the home side surviving a chaotic goalmouth scramble. In response, Green Mamba’s technical team made a tactical change in the 75th minute, bringing on Kwenzokuhle Khumalo and Neliswa Nkambule to replace Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula and Mbutfo Dlamini. Desperate for a goal, the home side came close when Neliswa’s header was expertly saved by Bafana Ngwenya, ensuring the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.