Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mpendulo Tfomo salvaged a crucial point for Mbabane Highlanders against formidable Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Hotspurs had initially seized the initiative, breaking the deadlock through the mesmerising skills of midfielder Thubelihle Mavuso in the early stages of the second half. However, Tfomo’s lightning-quick response just a minute later, turned the tides, forcing a thrilling 1-all draw for both sides. The draw proved to be favourable for the Dumsani Makhanya-led squad, propelling them to the fifth spot with 14 points. On the other hand, the Thobias Ntuli coached side remained firmly entrenched in the eighth spot with 12 points, desperately seeking to climb the ranks. The visitors showcased their attacking prowess early, bombarding the opposition’s defence with a barrage of chances during the opening exchanges. Philani Mkhonto came close to finding the back of the net with a powerful shot from inside the box, only to narrowly miss the target by inches.
Ruthlessly
Kenneth Moloto, too, had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, but was cruelly denied by the unforgiving woodwork minutes before the hour mark. Just as the relentless workhorse Mkhonto was orchestrating the midfield, he was ruthlessly tackled by a tenacious Nsingizini player, forcing him out of the game shortly after the half-hour mark. Initially feared to have suffered a spinal cord injury, it was later revealed by doctors that his leg had gone numb due to a tackle that had disrupted the upper lobe near his spinal cord. The player was subsequently rushed to Mbabane Government Hospital for further examination, leaving a void that Menzi Sithole had to fill. The enthralling match, braved by over 300 dedicated fans who defied the heavy rainfall, witnessed Highlanders exhibiting dominance in the first half, while the hosts emerged as a formidable threat in the second. Despite their relentless pressing game, Hotspurs managed to convert one of their numerous glorious chances.
Exceptional
Mavuso showcased his exceptional dribbling skills, eluding two Black Bull defenders before elegantly slotting the ball into the net, leaving Sihlangu’s premier goalkeeper, Khanyekezwe Shabalala, helpless between the sticks. Meanwhile, Tfomo rose to the occasion, swiftly cancelling out the home side’s lead with a composed tap-in, restoring parity and rekindling hope for the visiting team. Meanwhile, defending champions Green Mamba intensified their MTN Premier League first round ‘carrot’ chase following a 2-0 win over Manzini Sea Birds at Simunye Stadium. The Correctional Services outfit that scored in both halves through Khethokuhle Mkhontfo and sharp shooter Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, has since claimed the top spot from Mbabane Swallows, who were one point ahead of yesterday’s game. A lone strike by Junior Magagula, on the other hand, kept Royal Leopard in the top four following a 1-0 win over Illovo. At least four games are left before the end of the first round.
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