Swazi Observer

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BUCS BURST MAMBA’S BUBBLE

By Mgcini Dube | 2024-12-15

Green Mamba..................... (0) 0
Moneni Pirates.................... (0) 1
Soccer - It was a disappointing day for MTN Premier League log leaders Green Mamba as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Moneni Pirates at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre yesterday.

This result not only ended Green Mamba's winning streak but also mirrored their previous loss to Moneni Pirates last season at Nsukuwansuku Stadium, courtesy of a penalty scored by Menzi Magawugawu" Simelane.

This marks Green Mamba’s second league defeat this season, having lost to Mbabane Swallows with the same score line earlier.

Despite the setback, Green Mamba remains top of the log with 25 points, tied with Royal Leopards. Intriguingly, these two teams are set to face each other in the next league fixture, with the lucrative E100 000 first-round incentive still up for grabs.

The match started cautiously, with both teams adopting a reserved approach. Green Mamba’s reliable forward attempted to break the deadlock in the 30th minute, but his effort went over the bar.

Moneni Pirates, on the other hand, displayed patience, circulating the ball well but failing to trouble the Ernest Mavuso-led Green Mamba defence. The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to seize control.

The second half brought more intensity as both teams pushed for the opening goal.
Moneni Pirates made key substitutions, introducing Senanelo Nkambule for Mfanufikile Ndzimandze and Mazwi Sihlongonyane for Xolani Ngwenya.

These changes gave Moneni more attacking impetus.
Green Mamba came close 10 minutes into the second half when striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa found himself with an opportunity outside the box but failed to hit the target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute when Moneni Pirates' Bi Zahi Herve Irie capitalised on a defensive lapse to head home the decisive goal. Unmarked in the box, Irie’s effort was enough to secure the much-needed points for Moneni Pirates.

The defeat left Green Mamba dejected as it dented their ambitions to secure the first-round incentive. Moneni Pirates, on the other hand, celebrated a hard-earned victory that could serve as a turning point in their season.

The result also kept the first-round race wide open, with Green Mamba and Royal Leopards now facing a high-stakes encounter in their next league fixture.

For Green Mamba, the loss is a reminder of the competitive nature of the league and the need to bounce back quickly to maintain their position at the top.

For Moneni Pirates, it’s a statement of intent and proof that they can challenge the league’s top sides.

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