Swazi Observer

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‘SIKHALI'S BRACE SINKS BIRDS

By JONGILE XUBA | 2023-10-03

Mbabane Swallows........................(1)1
Green Mamba................................(3)4
SOCCER - GREEN Mamba striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa inspired his team to a 4-1 victory over Mbabane Swallows to return to winning ways.

The defending MTN Premier League champions beat the capital city giants at King Sobhuza II Stadium yesterday, thanks to a first half brace from the former Swallows target man.

Coach Ernest Mavuso made a lot of changes to the side that lost to Illovo last weekend, with most of the suspended players returning to the fold.

Both teams wanted it as they looked to take control of the match as early as possible.
The first real chance of the game came in the 21st minute, through former Birds midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu whose volley sailed over the bar.

He made up for his missed opportunity four minutes later with a masterful curled effort into the top left corner to grab the lead.

This gave them some control in the match, but Swallows fought back to equalise in the 35th minute through Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. He pounced on a loose ball in the box from a defensive scramble to bring the Birds back on level terms.

Their joy was short-lived as ‘Sikhali’ put his side ahead three minutes later through a signature header.

Swallows striker Sandile Hlatjwako missed a chance to level matters in the 41st minute.
‘Sikhali’ was back to haunt his former team again as he made it 3-1 for Green Mamba, this time slotting a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The match went to the break with Mamba leading 3-1.
The second half saw Swallows start on a positive note as they pulled the strings.
Coach Caleb Ngwenya substituted ‘Nunu’ and Nciba for Sifiso Mabila and Siyabonga Zwane.

It helped the team get more possession on the wings, but Mamba’s game management was on point.

They passed the ball around well, retained possession patiently waited for spaces to attack and score.

This frustrated the Birds players when out-of possession.
Green Mamba put the final nail in the Swallows’ coffin in the 90th minute after a cool finish. The match ended 4-1 in favour of Green Mamba.

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