Africa-Press – Eswatini. Nsingizini Hotspurs …………(1)1
Mancoba 41th
Royal Leopard ………….(0)0
New kids on the block Nsingizini Hotspurs pulled the biggest upset of the season with a shocking 1-0 victory over defending champions Royal Leopard in their MTN Premier League game yesterday.
The crucial catch up match was played at King Sobhuza II Stadium and the 10-man newcomers did not disappoint by handing the defending champions their second loss of their campaign, in what was their third victory in the elite league.
The win moved them to the third spot on log standings with 10 points. The match did not disappoint from the start as both sides showed intentions of winning the match. Both teams had created a few scoring opportunities after half an hour of play with Leopard having a slight advantage.
Fanelo Tsabedze had a few chances but it was striker Richard Arthur who wasted quite a few in front of goal. However, Nsingizini were the team with more clear-cut chances testing the Leopard keeper regularly.
The home side’s tenacity finally paid off in the 41st minute when Mancoba Vilakati found the back of the net. After a pass from Thubelihle Mavuso, poor defence saw Vilakati through and he calmly slotted in the goal. The half ended with Hotspurs in the lead.
The second stanza saw Leopard put on Thembisa Shabangu for Richard Arthur with Leopard looking for more attacking outlets. Phila Dlamini tried a long range effort to double Hotspurs’ advantage but it was too high.
Nsingizini continued to press their advantage in the opening 15 minutes of the last half as they bombarded the Leopard defence. They were saved by some solid goalkeeping from Sibusiso Dlamini.
Vilakati could’ve doubled his tally and the lead after the hour mark but he was denied by some brilliant goalkeeping from Ncamiso Dlamini between the visitors’ goals.
The defending champions were desperate as the match wore on and were more threatening and threw everything at their opponents, including the kitchen sink and were unlucky not to convert.
Hotspurs made it tougher on themselves in added time when skipper Phila Dlamini was given matching orders for a second bookable offence by referee Thulani Sibandze. However, the Gerrard Phiri led side held on for the vital win as the FIFA-accredited whistleman blew the final one, leaving Leopard in disbelief.
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