Africa-Press – Eswatini. Hub giants Manzini Wanderers’ woeful start to the MTN Premier League season continued unabated when they were beaten 0-2 by Rangers during a match played at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
This was the fifth defeat for the struggling crowd pulling side as they remain second from the bottom of the log standings.
The Shiselweni-based outfit settled early in the match as they made inroads towards the opposition’s half.
Wanderers’ goalkeeper Simiso Tsabedze produced two brilliant saves from Sizo Shabangu and Mpilwenhle Khumalo in the first 25 minutes.
The shot-stopper also denied Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane in the 32nd minute.
After early dominance for Rangers, the ‘Weslians’ grew in confidence and began to threaten after the midway point of the first half, with the movement of Siphamandla Dhlamini and the focal point provided by Thabiso Mokenkoane providing some problems for the visitors.
Mokenkoane missed a sitter in the 38th minute after coming face-to-face with the goalkeeper.
The SA striker took his effort wide.
Rangers pushed for a goal towards the end of the first half but again the impressive keeper averted another danger from Sandile Mbingo.
The match went to the break at 0-0. The second half started on a high with both teams coming hard at each other but it was Wanderers who created clear cut chances.
The hub giants had one or two moments going their way after the restart but they could not find the back of the net.
Doubled
Rangers’ striker Sandile Thwala eventually opened the scorers’ chart in the 57th minute after beating the goalkeeper from close range.
Needing a quick response, Siphamandla Dhlamini was denied by Mduduzi Mngometulu two minutes later.
Rangers doubled their lead in referee’s added time after they were awarded a penalty.
Sibonelo Mhlanga made it 2-0 from the spot.
The Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe-led side huffed and puffed for the remainder of the match but could not find a way back. The match ended 2-0 in favour of Rangers.
TEAMS
Manzini Wanderers
Simiso Tsabedze, Mancoba Maseko, Siphamandla Maseko, Sihle Mkhonta, Phathizwe Mabuza, Jabulani Mavimbela, Linda Msibi, Khulekani Manana, Thabiso Mokenkoane, Kwanele Dlamini, Siphiwo Dlamini
Rangers
Mduduzi Mngometulu, Sandile Ngcamphalala, Majaha Msibi, Sambulo Simelane (Mzwandile Bhembe) Mfanasibili Kunene, Sandile Thwala, Mpilwenhle Khumalo (Sandile Mbingo), Sizo Shabangu, Sanele Khumalo, Thabo Mngometulu, Albert Nkosana
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