Africa-Press – Eswatini. HUB giants Manzini Wanderers successfully avoided a banana skin in the Ingwenyama Cup last 32 as they defeated Sisonkhe 3-0 at Mavuso Sports Centre last night, courtesy of a hat-trick by hero, Banene ‘Banny’ Mdluli.
After seeing fellow PLE sides Royal Leopard, Rangers and Moneni Pirates fall out of the tournament at the hands of lower league opponents over the weekend, the Weslians ensured they didn’t suffer the same fate, putting in a strong second-half performance to overcome their NFD hosts.
The victory comes just a few days after some of the players returned to the team, while others left for South Africa. It was also a perfect send for the late Weslians defender Kwanele Dlamini, who was also honoured with a moment of silence before kickoff. The returning players are Manqoba ‘Spider’ Maseko, Sihle ‘Mbhalaza’ Mkhonta, Thabo Langa and Simphiwe Manana, who were all introduced in the second half where the Weslians scored the three goals.
Sisonkhe gave a good account of themselves in the first half and even had the first shot on target, with striker Linda Dlamini warming the palms of goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza with a well-struck effort from long range, early in the match.
The hosts had a few more promising forays forward in the first half, but they often lacked the composure and quality in the final third to test the Weslians’ defence.
Sisonkhe were the better team in the first stanza as they would now and again string a number of passes. Chances were few and far as the match went to break at 0-0.
The second stanza saw Wanderers lodging a protest against Mthobisi Dlamini, who is alleged to have played for Louis XIV against Malanti Chiefs in the Ingwenyama Cup after the player made his way to the field.
The maroon and white ensemble improved greatly after the break and needed 10 minutes of the second half to break the deadlock. Banene ‘Banny’ Mdluli put Wanderers ahead with a wonderful curling free kick to beat goalkeeper Thembelihle Malaza.
In the 64th minute it was 2-0 – another cross from the right flank by Jabulani Mavimbela caused all kinds of trouble for Sisonkhe defence and with ‘Banny’ completing his brace with a tap-in.
This goal provoked scenes of wild jubilation from the Wanderers stand. The match continued with Wanderers having an upper hand. With Sisonkhe throwing more men forward in attack, it was no surprise they were caught out in defence, with ‘Banny’ again at it in the 88th minute where he easily steered the ball home for the third goal of the night and his first hat-trick in the maroon and white ensemble.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
