Swazi Observer

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MVUSELELO CLINCHES LAST-GASP WIN FOR NSINGIZINI

By JONGILE XUBA | 2025-01-08

Rangers...... ……..……………. (0)1
Nsingizini Hotspurs …………. (0)2
SOCCER - IN a pulsating Shiselweni derby, Nsingizini Hotspurs emerged victorious with a dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers in the MTN Premier League, thanks to a last-minute strike by substitute Mvuselelo Mthethwa.

The nail-biting encounter kept the over 500 fans on the edge of their seats, with the victory reaffirming Nsingizini’s title ambitions and cementing their dominance in the region.

Heavy rains delayed the start of the derby by 20 minutes, but not even the lingering drizzle could dampen the spirits of the passionate supporters. When play finally began, the two sides delivered an electrifying, high-paced contest that lived up to the expectations of a derby.

The opening minutes saw Nsingizini assert themselves early, believing they had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Barnabe Mikoli found the back of the net. However, the referee quickly ruled the goal offside.

Rangers began to grow into the game and a free-kick in the dying moments of the half offered a glimpse of opportunity, but Sibonelo Mhlanga’s effort went straight into the hands of Nsingizini goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini.

The match went to the break at 0-0.
The second half resumed with both teams refusing to take their foot off the pedal. Rangers’ goalkeeper Mduduzi Mngometulu was kept busy, making two excellent saves within the first five minutes. Moments later, Rangers came close when Sizo Shabangu saw his shot narrowly missing the target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute when Mduduzi Mngometulu saved an initial effort from Sambulo 'Masoso' Simelane, but the rebound fell kindly to Thubelihle Mavuso. With the goalkeeper sprawled on the ground, Mavuso expertly chipped the ball into the net, sending the Nsingizini supporters into rapture.

Rangers refused to back down, as they continued to attack with Hleliso Gamedze capitalising on a rare defensive error in the 88th minute to level matters.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Mvuselelo Mthethwa had other ideas. Deep into stoppage time, some clever wing play by Thubelihle created an opportunity as he delivered a precise cutback into a crowded penalty area. Mthethwa was in the right place at the right time, calmly tapping in the winning goal.

The stadium erupted in celebration as Nsingizini’s players and fans reveled in the dramatic victory. The referee’s final whistle followed seconds later, confirming Nsingizini’s hard-fought triumph in the derby.

This victory keeps Nsingizini’s title hopes alive and underscores their determination to compete at the highest level. For their fans, the dramatic win in a fiercely contested derby will be remembered as a defining moment of the season.

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