Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

LEOPARD MARCH ON WITH 3-0 VICTORY

By Mthunzi Maziya | 2019-01-16

Vovovo FC…… (0)0,

Leopard…… (1)3.

SOCCER – Royal Leopard performed a routine march at the Somhlolo National Stadium last night as they effortlessly dispatched Vovovo FC 3-0.

It was not the most brilliant of displays, but it was enough in the end as the police side’s opponents failed to threaten their goal for much of the proceedings. The first goal of the game came as early as the second minute. It was a dream start for Leopard, and it came from a free kick awarded about two yards from the 18-area box. Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini took responsibility and found the top corner with a beautiful strike to hand his team an early advantage. It took Vovovo FC quite some time to settle into the game, as they allowed the opposition to attack relentlessly. Not to say the game was fast-paced and exciting, but Leopard had too much joy as they released shot after shot from the edge of the box. Had they converted the chances they created in the first half, the deficit could have been much worse for Vovovo at half-time.

Coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini was forced into an early change in the 35th minute, as his team struggled to find rhythm. Linda Mkhonta came in for Soto Tekwa, but he did little to affect the game as the referee soon sent the teams to the tunnels with the hosts trailing. Leopard started from where they left off in the second half and scored early on once again when ‘Mzoro’ crossed beautifully on the right flank to allow Sifiso Matse to head into the bottom corner. Vovovo had no response to Leopard’s surge as two soon became three. ‘Mzoro’ seemed to be on the end of all of Leopard’s attacks, as he latched onto a long ball from mid-field to fire his team into a 3-0 lead in the 66th minute. It was no wonder when he received a round of applause from he made way for the returning Lungelo Tsabedze in the 73rd minute.

Vovovo tried to reach for the opposition’s defensive areas on a couple of occasions, but poor finishing on the day was their major downfall. In fact, Leopard’s goal-keeper Phephisani Msibi had no threatening shot to deal withfor three quarters of the game.

Leopard jump to second spot with 30 points, one behind log leaders Green Mamba, who play Manzini Sea Birds tonight.

share story