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By JONGILE XUBA | 2025-01-20
Lozitha Spurs……………… (2)2
Mbabane Highlanders……….. (0)1
SOCCER - THE Ingwenyama Cup delivered yet another shock yesterday as Mbabane Highlanders were eliminated in the last 32 following a dramatic 2-1 defeat to National First Division (NFD) side Lozitha Spurs.
The match, held at Mavuso Sports Centre, marked the third early exit of a Premier League team in this year’s tournament, with Nsingizini Hotspurs and Sidvwashini United having already suffered similar fates.
Highlanders entered the game cautiously, struggling to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges. However, Lozitha Spurs wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 9th minute through Njabulo Gama, who capitalised on a defensive lapse by the ‘Black Bull’. The underdogs displayed impressive energy, fighting for every ball and unsettling their more fancied opponents.
Highlanders had a chance to draw level in the 30th minute, but captain Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini saw his penalty saved, leaving his team trailing. Lozitha compounded their misery just before halftime, with Mduduzi Dlamini doubling the lead in the 44th minute from a well-taken free kick. The 2-0 scoreline held as the teams headed to the break.
Looking to turn the tide, Highlanders made an early substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Siwakhile Shongwe for ‘Smoothies’. The move initially sparked some attacking intent, but Lozitha quickly re-established their defensive shape and nearly added a third goal after another Highlanders defensive miscue.
Desperate to claw their way back, Highlanders made two additional changes in the 60th minute, a decision that paid dividends just nine minutes later. Striker Fabrice Mopina pounced on a corner to pull one back for the capital city giants, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Buoyed by the goal, Highlanders dominated the final stages of the match, dictating the tempo and piling pressure on the resilient Lozitha defence. Despite relentless attacks and promising link-ups between Mopina and Moloto, the equaliser proved elusive.
Lozitha, meanwhile, adopted a defensive stance, absorbing waves of pressure and threatening on the counterattack.
Their discipline and determination in the closing minutes ensured they held on for a famous victory.
The defeat sends shockwaves through the Highlanders' camp as the Ingwenyama Cup claims yet another Premier League casualty.
For Lozitha Spurs, the victory serves as a testament to their grit and potential in this year’s competition.
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