Africa-Press – Eswatini. CHAOS AS BULL SINK BIRDS IN DERBY
Mbabane Highlanders……… (1)2
Mbabane Swallows………. (0)1
Chaos erupted at Mavuso Sports Centre after Mbabane Swallows supporters bayed for the blood of match officials.
The match officials were whisked to safety while the angry fans were in hot pursuit after the final whistle had been blown.
Mbabane Highlanders claimed the bragging rights after defeating traditional rivals Mbabane Swallows 2-1 in the dramatic encounter yesterday.
Watched by over 2 500 fans, the Mbabane derby was played under slippery conditions due to heavy rain before kickoff.
After a muted start, the hosts offered the first threat on goal in 10 minutes when Musa Dlamini’s effort was easily saved by Sandanezwe Mathabela. Another chance presented itself a moment later but was wasted by the home side.
As the match progresse Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was forced to make a fingertip save from a Kenneth Moloto shot.
The former Ally Tigers exciting winger was back in the 45th minute when he broke the deadlock with a wonderful strike, provoking scenes of jubilation from the Highlanders grand stand.
The half time break arrived with the black and white outfit enjoying the lead. After the restart, Mbabane Swallows made double changes when they introduced Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze and Mohammed Kabia for Ayanda Gadlela and Nhlanhla Ngwenya respectively.
However, it was Mbabane Highlanders who doubled the lead after 48 minutes through left back Delisa Gama from a rebound. The red and white outfit had one of their best efforts in the 52nd minute however, the alert Khanyakwezwe Shabalala thwarted the move.
Bashir Mutanda’s goal was disallowed a moment later after the referee spotted a foul on the home side goalkeeper.
The Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya. led men also had their goal ruled out for offside in the latter stages of the match.
Mbabane Swallows pulled one back in the 79th minute through a Felix Badenhorst free kick.
The lanky striker was unlucky at 83 minutes when his glancing header was ruled offside by referee Thembinkosi Dlamini.
The score was 2-1 in favour of the host team at the end of the final whistle.
This sent the away supporters into a mad frenzy which saw them rush the field as the officials were quickly whisked to safety in the locker room.
A huge skirmish ensued on the pitch between fans of the opposing teams. It was also gathered that one of the Highlanders supporters known as Mahindra was stabbed in the back during the skirmish. He was rushed to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital where he received treatment.
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