Africa-Press – Eswatini. Nsingizini Hotspurs…………………………. (0)2
Thubelihle 58th, Awuah 95th, extra time
Moneni Pirates…………………………….. (1)1
Kitwa 45th
INSINGIZI yeZulu!
Not so many can claim to have predicted this, but Nsingizini Hotspurs became the first side to win the MoMo Cup and, in their fairytale run, they clearly won the hearts of football followers last night.
The 10- man Nsingizini Hotspurs were crowned champions of the inaugural MoMo Cup after claiming a 2-1victory over Moneni Pirates at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The new kids on the block are now E600 000 richer. Both teams resorted to cautious play in the early minutes of the match but Pirates’ hearts skipped a bit 10 minutes into the match when Nsingizini’s lanky defender Lucky Gamedze hit the side net from Mncedisi ‘Mphotho’ Dlamini’s free-kick.
They thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute but Thubelihle Mavuso’s goal was also ruled offside by the second assistant referee. Pirates almost claimed the lead five minutes later when Mayibongwe Malinga’s effort six yards out deflected for a fruitless corner kick.
Nsingizini Hotspurs survived another scare a moment later when Kitwa Kazadi’s shot hit the post. The DR Congo international finally broke the deadlock at the stroke of halftime with a cool finish. The match went to break with the ‘Sea Robbers’ leading 1-0.
Transfixed
The second half saw Nsingizini bringing in fresh legs, as speedy forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane made way for Ncamiso ‘Torres’ Thwala. The Shiselweni-based outfit upped their tempo after the restart. New signing and national Under-23 player Thubelihle Mavuso levelled matters in the 58th minute with a curler that caught goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini transfixed between the sticks.
The Gerald Phiri-led side was reduced to 10 men in the latter stages of the encounter when Sibusiso Masuku received a red card following a dangerous tackle on Mbongeni Magagula.
Neither team scored the winning goal until the referee blew the final whistle as the match went into extra-time. Pirates started on a back-foot as they conceded through a penalty scored by defender Pius Awuah. Pirates pushed more numbers after the goal but the opposition defence stood firm at the back and thwarted every move by the Buccaneers. Great fighting spirit and ambition won the night for the ambitious side, founded by Derrick
Shiba after he purchased the elite league status of Vovovo. True to their hustles throughout the tournament, ‘Insingizi Yezulu’ also lived up to their moniker (The best never rest), as they eliminated neighbours Rangers 3-0 in the semi-finals.
It was apparent from their well-structured play that, in just less than a month in the elite league, coach Phiri had drilled some tactical awareness and positional discipline into a side that is mostly made up of amateurs.
The minnows showed disrespect to their illustrious opponents from the first whistle.
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