Jwankie rescues Peacemakers from ‘ Sea Robbers’
( At Prince of Wales Sports Ground)
M. Pirates… ( 1) 1
Bandile Nxumalo Og: 41st
M. Peacemakers….. ( 0) 1
George Jwankie 47th
BABANE – Mhlume Peacemakers had to come from behind y e s t e r d a y a g a i n s t Mone n i Pirates t o earn a point i n t he MTN Premier League.
Both sides are battling relegation and came to this one looking for nothing like a defeat but a win. However, a win was evasive for both as they ended up settling for a 1- all draw. Pirates were first to score just before the break via an unfortunate own goal by t he ri - vals’defender Bandile Nxumalo, who had an initial Jose Machado powerful shot come off him right into the back of his own net.
This was a setback for the sugar- belt side who, however, came from behind to equalise and earn a point that proved important as the games wear down to
Mthe end of the season and they try to fight relegation. They are currently placed second from bottom with 20 points while the basement side, Malanti Chiefs are out to face giants Mbabane Highlanders today at Mhlume. A win for Malanti today will mean Peacemakers taking the basement as the former will be a point better than them on 21.
Scoring the all- important goal for the travelling Peacemakers was George Jwankie two minutes into the second half. Interestingly, Peacemakers ensured Pirates did not score through their own players on the day and had it not been for the own goal, they would have got a vital win.
It was otherwise a very entertaining match with both sides playing some good football. Meanwhile, the draw for Pirates means they have 24 points now which is still not safe as its only four points from the drop zone with five games left for them to play while Malanti has six more.
M– Dramatic! That is how best to describe Denver Sundowns’ 3- 2 win over Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows in the MTN Premier League relegation battle yesterday. The win moved Sundowns one step closer to safety from relegation while Black Swallows are still in the quagmire. The drama in the match was witnessed in the last 45 minutes, when there were three goals scored in a period of 12 minutes and a red card included. There was nothing to write home about in the first half as both teams failed to create chances but the game was played under a high tempo.
It was the second half that kept everyone in the stadium on edge of their seats. Four minutes into the second half, Sundowns were awarded a penalty by the referee, Wandile ‘ Mancane’ Magagula, after Black Swallows’ Fakazi Dlamini had the ball deflecting on his hand. Sundowns Captain Phinda Ginindza took the responsibility and he converted with a low shot that easily beat Bheka Christie between sticks.
Black Swallows Coach Wilton Mamba then made the changes that completely changed their approach in the game. He rested the trio of Mfanufikile ‘ Fash’ Ndzimandze, Fakazi Dlamini and Nkululeko Msibi for Mfundo Mkhabela, Phinda Nkonyane and Boafo Jonathan.
GOT THE EQUALISER
Just after the changes, Black Swallows got the equaliser through Wethu Vilakati, whose shot deflected and beat goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati even though he could have done better. While Black Swallows were still celebrating their goal, it was short- lived joy as Sundowns’ Mike Dombo received the ball in the middle of the park a minute later and surged forward. He was allowed to cut inside and he finished off with a succulent shot.
Sundowns continued to pile pressure on Black Swallows defence and Linda Maphalala’s hard work earned him a goal as he came face to face with the goalkeeper Bheka Christie and beat him with ease. Maphalala was simply fantastic on the day and could have taken home the man of the match award had it been available.
Black Swallows substitute Allen Mabuza finished off a cross from Sibusiso Mkhonta. With 15 minutes remaining, Sundowns’ Mandla Palma was showed a straight red card by the referee Wandile Magagula after a dangerous foul on Sibusiso Mkhonta, who was stretchered off the field and replaced by Gabriel Goshen.
Sundowns were able to hold on for the last 10 minutes of the game protecting their lead and they made it, recording a second victory in four days. They beat another relegation- troubled side in Malanti Chiefs on Wednesday.