Africa-Press – Eswatini. G.Mamba……………………….(1)2
R.Leopard……………………….(0)1
MISSION accomplished!
After the final whistle sounded at Nsukuwansuku Stadium to close the 2022/23 season curtain, Green Mamba were finally crowned champions after defeating Royal Leopard 2-1 in front of a jubilant crowd, mostly made up of strong fans of jubilant Correctional Services recruits.
The green and white ensemble becomes the new league champion in three seasons after Buffaloes and Royal Leopard and they further clinched their second title in five years since the 2018/19 season. This means that ‘Inyoka Eluhlazana’ have entered the holy grail of local football thrice since their first title during the 2010/11 season.
The hosts who came to the match in need of a point to clinch the title, were way better than the visitors in the opening minutes of the game.
They managed to grab the lead in the 12th minute through their skipper Mcolisi Mkhonto following Njabulo Magagula’s good supply. Another opportunity arrived in the 20th minute when Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa’s header was parried for a fruitless corner-kick by Mlamuli Makhanya.
Edwin Matsebula’s men were unlucky shortly before the break when Sifiso Matse miscued the ball within six yards. The score remained at 1-0 until half time. In the restart there was a positive restart for Ernest Mavuso’s troops as their diminutive midfielder Njabulo Thwala doubled their lead in the 49th minute at close range.
The visitors calmed matters in the 62th minute with Junior Magagula’s set piece.
A moment later, Green Mamba’s saw another chance cleared off the line following Thwala’s effort.
The final phase of the encounter was an action- packed affair, which was spiced by the lively fans who were well-behaved throughout the encounter. The home side’s goalkeeper Xolani Gama denied attacking midfielder Junior in the 88th minute from a one-on-one situation as the police side searched for an equaliser.
At the end of the gruelling match, ‘Inyoka Eluhlazana’ were crowned champions to end their five-year league drought. The victory also saw the green and white outfit completing a double over their rivals, as they took home the E1 million prize with a ticket to represent the country in the CAF Champions League under the guidance of the cool as cucumber Ernest Mavuso, Luma Nyoka!
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