Africa-Press – Eswatini. MANZINI Wanderers football gods seem to have gone back to their slumber again after giant-slayers Madlenya advanced to the quarterfinals of the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup as they annihilated the desperate Weslians via the sudden death penalties at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
Former Nsingizini Hotspurs striker Melusi ‘Vardy’ Thwala was named in the starting XI, marking his return to Madlenya. Judging from his performance, one can safely say that Nsingizini Hotspurs lost a good player as he was a constant threat to the opposition and even scored a great penalty during the shootout.
In the opening stanza, both sides traded blows with little goal-mouth action as they resorted to a cautious approach.
A lapse in concentration in Madlenya’s defence in the 26th minute nearly cost them, but Gift Gamedze recovered on time to clear the danger away.
The hub giants made their first change in the 39th minute when Siphamandla Dhlamini, who came in for Jabulani Mavimbela, found space inside the box but he sent his effort wide just outside the box.
Clear cut chances were few and far on the first half as the match went to break with both teams locked at 0-0.
Coming back from recess, both coaches made notable changes as they brought in some fresh legs.
The Weslians were the first to ask questions at the poles, but Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s effort was off-target in the 55th minute.
Later in the match, Madlenya’s penalty appeal was turned down by referee Thembinkosi Dlamini from what appeared to be a foul on striker Melusi Thwala. This was after he dribbled past two defenders, only to be brought down after coming face-to-face with the goalkeeper. The referee waved play on in what looked like a clear penalty.
Mbusiseni Motsa also blew a chance in the 76th minute following ‘Vardy’s pass.
Wanderers were unlucky in the 80th minute not to open the scoring sheet when Sandile Maseko’s shot hit the post, with the visitors’ defence in slumber-land.
The teams were not separated from each other until stoppage time, thus heading straight to the penalties.
During the penalty shoot-outs, Wanderers’ marshals attacked Madlenya’s Head of Security, John Matsenjwa, but police officers saved what could have been a palpable situation.
Wanderers’ player Sandile Maseko cost his team when he missed the last penalty, provoking scenes of jubilation from the Siphofaneni-based outfit fans, technical bench and players.
Madlenya have made it to the next round of the tournament.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
