Africa-Press – Eswatini. EZULWINI United and Manzini Wanderers remain trapped in the relegation mire after a tense 1-1 draw at King Sobhuza II Stadium yesterday.
Both sides came into the match desperate for points to move away from the bottom of the table, but ultimately, they settled for a share of spoils.
Despite the point, neither team can feel entirely satisfied with the result.
Ezulwini started the match on the front foot with captain Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini’s freekick going over the bar in the 12th minute.
Wanderers did not sit back as they would also launch attacks.
United took the lead in the 24th minute via the boot of Msimisi Zwane, finishing off a goal-mouth scramble.
Soon after this goal, Wanderers upped their tempo as they put pressure on the opposition.
They eventually equalised through Hassan Balogun in the 34th minute after he finished off a rebound shot from Sibusiso Mkhonta’s effort.
Ezulwini United were forced to make a substitution in the 42nd minute after their goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula was injured.
The ‘Weslians’ showed more attacking threat after equalising as they created more chances.
Skipper Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule missed a great chance to put his team ahead after a defensive error.
The match went to the break at 1-1. Wanderers made a substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Bongani Dlamini for Phathizwe Mabuza.
Pressure
Hassan came close to completing a brace in the 51st minute but his shot went inches over the bar.
‘Weslians’ continued to pile pressure on their opponents as Sibusiso Mkhonta was substituted for Colani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze in the 58th minute.
United came close to taking the lead in the 80th minute as Msimisi charged into the box with a surging run but Khulekani Manana cleared the danger.
The closing minutes of the game kept the traveling fans on the edge of their seats.
The teams eventually settled for a 1-1 draw.
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