‘Bull’ march closer to top 3
T. Callies ....................... (0)0 M. Highlanders ............ (0)1 Siwakhile 80th
TAMBANKULU – Super sub Siwakhile Shongwe was the hero as he came from the bench to score the winner for his side.
This was in an entertaining MTN Premier League game between Mbabane Highlanders and Tambankulu Callies played here yesterday.
The former Under-20 star, who was introduced in the 73rd minute, bagged the maximum points for the Solomon ‘Solly’ Luvhengo team seven minutes later. He was at end of a swift buildup involving youngster Siyabonga Mkhonta when he let fly a rocket shot which gave Callies Man of the Match in goalkeeper Sicelo Dlamini no chance between the sticks.
High
The game started on a high note, as both sides searched for an early goal which never came for almost the entire game played under the blazing sun.
It was the visitors who made first attempt at goal through Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini as his goalbound shot just outside the box was blocked by Fabrice Mopina. Manyovu, who was a menace for Callies defence was back again 10 minutes into the game as his free header narrowly missed the target.
The Vusisizwe Mahlalela-coached side responded with a counter-attack and Mazwi ‘Zwide’ Sihlongonyane could not believe his eyes when he was denied by the post with Khanyakwezwe Shabalala well beaten. Inkunzi Emnyama piled more pressure on Callies, but the goalkeeper stood his ground as he denied Manyovu and
Mopina clear cut scoring chances. The score at half time was 0-0.
Callies were the first to make an attempt at goal four minutes into the second stanza when Khanyakwezwe denied Zwide point bank with a one hand save in a one-on-one situation. Luvhengo introduced Musa Dlamini in the space of the wasteful Manyovu. Bobhejane upped the tempo in
Dlamini even though his team lost was the reason Highlanders narrowly beat Callies as he made numerous saves to deny the duo of Manyovu and Mopina goals.
Mazwi Sihlongonyane (Callies), Delia Gama (Highlanders)
Letticia Viana
Sifiso Nxumalo Mfanasibili Ndzinisa Sanele Ntimane
Gilbert Dlamini search of the first goal of match as Vusi Mavuso tried long range shots, which never threatened Shabalala between the sticks. Mopina could have broken the deadlock 10 minutes after the hour-mark when Callies goalkeeper made a crucial save from close range to deny Highlanders the lead.
Substituted
He was rightly substituted few minutes later to give room for goalscorer Shongwe. National team star Philani Mkhonto, on the other hand, made way for his younger brother Siyabonga. This changes for Solly seemed to be the right tonic for him as the youngsters immediately made an impact. Shongwe’s goal ended Highlanders’ two game winless string and closing the gap on rivals Mbabane Swallows by three points. For Callies, they remain in the relegation trapdoor with six games to go.