Africa-Press – Eswatini. Moneni Pirates’ woes in the MTN Premier League continue unabated following another defeat in the hands of Mbabane Highlanders at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday afternoon.
It was the seventh defeat of the ‘Sea Robbers’, who are yet to record a win this season.
Missing their lanky anchorman Mpendulo Tfomo, the hosts deployed Ndumiso Mabuza in his place.
It was a perfect start for the home side, as a corner kick in the seventh minute provided the much needed first goal, which was not very long followed by South Africa’s international Ndou Matamela hammering a rebound into the net.
The Buccaneers tried to bounce back immediately when Phumlani Shongwe’s goal-bound shot took a deflection and went wide.
Moneni Pirates continued to grow in confidence and dominated play, but could not hurt the opposition.
There was drama at the stroke of half time when the teams were engaged in scuffle over muti beliefs.
Goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala was stretchered off the field as he suffered a hard knock and reserve goalkeeper Mcolisi Dlamini came in his place at the restart. The game quickly turned into Highlanders’ favour in the 56th minute when Kenneth Moloto doubled the lead, connecting a Menzi Sithole pass.
However, the hosts’ moment of joy was short- lived as Malibogwe Malinga pulled one back in the 63th minute, leaving goalkeeper Mcolisi Dlamini standing transfixed between the goal-posts.
As the match entered the final stages, Pirates goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini was called to action when he blocked Kenneth Moloto’s shot at close range.
Pirates were also unlucky before full time when lanky striker Thembisa Shabangu’s header could not find the target.
At the end, the encounter ended in favour of the capital city giants,
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