Africa-Press – Eswatini. Moneni Pirates denied Mbabane Swallows the top spot, holding them to a 2-all draw in an MTN Premier League week eight game played here yesterday.
The ‘Sea Robbers’, as Pirates are affectionately known, twice came from behind to restore parity, with veteran striker Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze salvaging a point for the table-proppers at Mavuso Sports Centre. Swallows found the back of the net through Siyabonga Zwane and Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala’s goals. The draw saw the ‘Birds’ cement their third spot momentarily as they are tied at 15 points with Madlenya, with the later better on goal advantage. Royal Leopard and Mbabane Highlanders, who had their fixtures postponed this week, have a chance to topple Swallows.
Meanwhile, Pirates remain rooted at the bottom of the standings with two points, with the other point collected from their 2-all draw with Manzini Wanderers. In a fair balanced game, Swallows drew the first blood first through Zwane. He put Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya’s men ahead just 12 minutes after the first whistle, capitalising on a sloppy defence where he met a cross dished by Ayanda Gadlela from the left-hand flank to loop it in.
discouraged
However, Pirates were not discouraged, but searched for an equaliser. ‘Fash’ met Malibongwe Malinga’s cross to roll the ball past Sandanezwe Mathabela to neutralise the score just in the 21st minute. After the equaliser, Swallows upped their game and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini in a ball scramble came close to regaining the lead during the half-hour mark. ‘Tiger’ hit the woodwork in a last throw of the dice in the opening half. The teams were level-pegging at 1-all during the interval. After restart, Phumalane Shongwe almost grabbed the lead for Pirates in the 47th minute, but had to watch his effort go a few inches off target. Swallows then regained their lead just seven minutes before the hour mark, with Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala’s cracker.
Felix Badenhost, who was introduced at the start of the game spotted ‘Nunu’ advancing to stretch Pirates shot stopper Bhekisisa Dlamini with a long range effort. It wrecked the net in the top left corner. Swallows, however, failed to protect their lead as ‘Fash’ levelled matters from a spot kick just in the 66th minute. Kingsley Kwakyi fouled Thembisa Shabangu inside the box and referee Thulani Sibandze did not hesitate and awarded Pirates a penalty. Fash was sure to complete his brace. Swallows then launched several attacks, but Pirates’ defence tightened the back door to steal the point.
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