Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mbabane Highlanders ………(1)1
Lindokuhle 38th
Royal Leopard ……………..(0)1
Wandile 54th
The race for the MTN Premier League title is still wide open following a 1-all draw between table toppers Mbabane Highlanders and Royal Leopard.
A win for either side could’ve given them an edge in the title race but none were able to get the better of each in what was a tense match played at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Leopard coach Edwin Matsebula decided to retain the same squad as the previous fixture keeping faith in the team that got him the win in their last outing.
Highlanders captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa saw his early effort go wayward as he tried to get his team into the lead after a rather convincing start to the match which saw them be a constant threat going forward.
South African winger Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha was next to have a go in the opening minutes as his header narrowly went wide.
Leopard tried to get going but couldn’t seem to get out of second gear as the capital city giants pressed them hard looking for an opener.
The crowd pullers finally made their pressure count as the finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through their diminutive player maker Lindokuhle Fakudze.
The former Malanti Chiefs captain pounced on a Philani Mkhontfo rebound from a free kick to make it 1-0 in favour of the ‘Black Bull’.
Highlanders kept up the tempo until the half time whistle as Leopard trailed by one goal at the break.
The second half picked up where the first left off as Highlanders attacked from the onset which saw them awarded a penalty three minutes into the last half.
This was after Mancoba Maseko brought down Machacha in the box and referee Letticia Vianna pointed to spot as ‘Sikhali’ stepped up and hit the post to miss a golden opportunity after 50 minutes of play.
Leopard made Highlanders pay for the golden opportunity four minutes later as substitute Wandile ‘Shaka’ Simelane got the equaliser after a good inter play with Lungelo Tsabedze before beating the opposition keeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala with ease.
Bongani Dlamini almost broke Inkunzeemnyama’ diehards as he saw his shot blocked by the opposition defenders to keep the game level.
Shaka nearly doubled advantage 71st minute as he saw his header hit the top post after rising highest to connect well.
Leopard gained more momentum as the game wore on and they got chances which saw Junior Magagula sky his effort in the 79th minute.
Despite their best efforts none of the teams could find the winning goal as the female FIFA accredited referee blew the final whistle with both teams sharing the spoils.
Man of the match – Philani Mkhontfo (Highlanders)
The pacey winger was unfortunate not to score or assist but he was instrumental in all his teams attacking efforts.
He managed beat his markers and completed his passes in the opposition box as well as a few efforts on target.
Teams
Highlanders
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala, Ndumiso Ndaba, Delisa Gama, Vusumuzi Vilakati, Peter Dlamini, Colani Sikhondze, Philani Mkhontfo, Lindokuhle Fakudze, Sabelo Ndzinisa, Tony Machacha, Kenneth Moloto
Leopard
Mlamuli Makhanya, Mancoba Maseko, Mlamuli Msibi Mzwandile Mabelesa, Thami Zulu, Sifiso Matse, Menzi Sithole, Lungelo Tsabedze, Thabiso Mokenkoane, Junior Magagula, Muzi Dlamini
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