Africa-Press – Eswatini. CHANCES and possibilities of watching the big Mbabane derby in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals were reignited and for sure every football fan is already looking forward to the draw.
This comes after the tournament’s quarterfinal games played at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday, where Mbabane Swallows pummelled Pigg’s Peak Rangers 4-0, while Mbabane Highlanders got the better of Ezulwini United, winning 4-3 after penalties in the second match of the double header.
The ‘Beautiful Birds’ were leading 1-0 at halftime before turning on the heat in the second half, where they scored three more goals, cementing their intention to win the encounter in a clear scoreline. The team’s first goal was scored by Ayanda Gadlela, who headed in a cross from Kwakhe thwala.
Rangers tried to make amends after this goal, but they could not break the solid defence marshalled by Kingsley Kwayki.
Substitutes Siyabonga Zwane and Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala scored the other three goals for Umkhonto kaShaka, as Swallows are affectionately known by their hordes of supporters.
The introduction of the two stars changed the complexion of the match, with Swallows dictating terms, especially in the middle of the park, where Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini was bossing.
Coming to the other highly-billed second match, Mbabane Highlanders booked a place in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals by beating the 10-man Ezulwini United 4-3 after penalties. The match had finished with the score sheet reading 1-1 in regulation time. The match went to the break at 0-0. Ezulwini scored first in the second half via the boot of Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini.
‘Smoothies’ realised that goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shababala was off his line and took a great shot that hit the post before ‘kissing’ the back of the net. Ezulwini played almost 10 minutes with 10 players after defender Enock Mukaka was red-carded for a second bookable offence.
With their fans leaving the stands in despair, the ‘Black Bull’ came back to the match, courtesy of a late goal scored by defender Thami Zulu. He rose highest to head in a great goal, much to wild celebrations from the Bull stand.
After the referee’s final whistle, the match went straight to penalties, where Highlanders won 4-3.
Both Swallows and Highlanders are through to the next round of the competition that blends soccer and culture.
During the next draw, fans from both Mbabane teams will be holding their breaths, probably praying that the teams avoid each other as security forces teams Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes also remain to make up the Last 4.
SEMI-FINALISTS:
Mbabane Swallows
Mbabane Highlanders
Young Buffaloes
Green Mamba.
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