Africa-Press – Eswatini. NSINGIZINI Hotspurs claimed their first ever MTN Premier League win over Green Mamba to put a huge dent in the defending champion’s title hopes.
The match was played at King Sobhuza II Stadium yesterday, and Hotspurs emerged 2-1 winners in what was a potential title decider for the away side.
Green Mamba needed the win to keep pace with league leaders Mbabane Swallows heading into the match, while Hotspurs wanted to gain bragging rights of taking three points off one of the best teams in the country.
The early minutes of the game were a clear indication of the magnitude of the match with high intensity and running from the kick-off.
Awarded
Hotspurs were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute and it was defender Ncamiso ‘Torres’ Thwala, who stepped up to the spot and calmly converted to grab the lead.
Green Mamba did not sit back after conceding the goal as they constantly tried to break Hotspurs’ high defensive line, which proved a tough task.
Hotspurs were forced to make a first half sub in the 27th minute after Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane picked up a knock and had to be substituted for Sinenkhosi ‘China’ Dlamini.
The defending champions started to find their rhythm as the half came to end, but Hotspurs kept their nerve and defensive resilience to see out the half in the lead.
The second half started at a quick pace with both teams eager to get a goal.
Hotspurs came the closest after a quick counter attack which fizzled out.
With the game needing a spark, both teams made changes after 60 minutes of play and the match picked up from there.
Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo came close to restoring parity for the visitors, but his header went narrowly wide in the 67th minute. Next Hotspurs’ Alvin Shabashie forced a top drawer save from Colani Gama for a corner after 69 minutes on the clock.
MTN Premier League top goal scorer Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa had a very quiet afternoon as Nsingizini’s towering defender Nkosingiphile Shongwe stuck to him like glue, ensuring he man-marked the deadly marksman out of the game.
It was not an easy task for the young defender who put on a decent display to neutralise the veteran striker. The last 10 minutes of the match provided end-to-end action as Mamba looked to be in ascendancy and most likely to score.
However, the home side had other ideas as Bhekinkhosi Mlotsa managed to find the back of the net in the 88th minute.
Poor communication and passing from the keeper saw him come off his line and the midfielder scored into an empty to send his side into a celebratory frenzy.
The match officials added five minutes and Green Mamba pulled one back two minutes into that through Kwenzokuhle Khumalo.
Net
Some quick feet and thinking saw him flick the ball over the keeper with a header and he rounded him to put the ball into the net.
It was a nervy closing minutes for the home side who eventually held out until the final whistle as they claimed an all-important win.
The result now means Green Mamba are five points behind Swallows and will have to win their next match and hope their opponents slip up. Hotspurs have now moved up to fourth on the log standings after the hard fought win.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
