Swazi Observer

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BIRDS SOAR, BULL CRUMBLE

By Xolisile Sacolo | 2024-09-30

M..Highlanders………..... (0)0

Royal Leopard………...... (1)2

Soccer -Royal Leopard comfortably defeated Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 in an MTN Premier League match played yesterday afternoon at KaLanga Stadium.

The police side scored in each half to bag home the maximum points. The opening minutes of the encounter saw the capital city giants struggling to play their normal game, while the visitors were comfortable on the ball.

Junior Magagula opened the scoresheet in 37 minutes when his cracker at the edge of the box beat Qiniso Nyawo between the sticks. The former Mbabane Swallows goalkeeper rescued his team a moment later when he denied Felix Badenhorst a goal at close range.

The hosts went to break trailing by a goal. At the restart, Royal Leopard scored their second goal when Lungelo Tsabedze connected well Felix’s corner-kick. Mbabane Highlanders introduced Mpilonhle ‘Loshy’ Khumalo and Siwakhile Shongwe in a bid to fight back but they did not create enough chances.

The only notable chance came in 68 minutes when Philani Mkhonto outpaced the Leopard defence but Simanga Masangane’s timing tackle denied him a chance to score a goal. Royal Leopard hung on to the lead until the stoppage time.

The victory takes Edwin Matsebula’s men to seven points, while Mbabane Highlanders drift back despite the midweek victory.

Swallows edge Sea Birds

Mbabane Swallows………….. (0)2

Manzini Sea Birds …..... (0)0)

Soccer- Mbabane Swallows continued with their good run in the MTN Premier League as they defeated Manzini Sea Birds 2-0 at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday.

The ‘Beautiful Birds’ started on a high note but faded as the match progressed. However, in 20 minutes, Sea Birds nearly broke the deadlock but missed the big chance from outside the box. A moment later, Mbabane Swallows player Siyabonga Zwane could have scored but his ball went straight to the hands of Ntokozo Shabangu.

The score remained goalless at the break. Caleb Ngwenya men upped their tempo in the second half and it took them a few minutes from the half to break the deadlock, with Biko Sibandze tapping in Kwakhe Thwala’s cross.

The capital city giants could have scored their second goal in 73 minutes, but Siyabonga Zwane missed the chance at close range. Sensing danger, Manzini Sea Birds introduced Mayibongwe Mabuza, who came in and tried to make things happen, but the opposition dealt well with him.

Instead it was Mbabane Swallows who restored the lead in 85 minutes with Melusi Mkhwanazi connecting well a beautiful; cross from Leon Manyisa.

It was over for ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ as they suffer then second defeat. For Mbabane Swallows, it was sweet victory as they are on the right track to defend the title they won last season. The red and white glamour side return to the same venue on Wednesday to face struggling outfit Madlenya.

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