‘MLILO’ POWERS R. LEOPARD TO SEMIS

R. Leopard.................................2
‘Mlilo’ 45+ 3, 72nd
Mnz. Sundowns.........................1
Darren 88th

LOBAMBA – ‘Enjoy the moment’, goes the slogan of Castle Lager and that is exactly what fans experienced when Royal Leopard clashed with Manzini Sundowns in the Castle Premier Challenge quarter-finals, yesterday.

A stellar game, powerful goal, brilliant individual flair and sheer talent, best sums up the tie that ended in Leopard’s favour, thanks to a powerful six yard volley by Man of the Match and brace hero, midfielder Zweli ‘Mlilo’Nxumalo in the 3rd of the four added minutes of the first half.

He pounced on a neat low powerful cross into the box by substitute Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini who replaced the speedy Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’Dlamini after an early injury. Leopard deserved the lead as they were in control while Sundowns had their moments when they would make it end to end.

He completed his brace with a fine spot kick that gave the diving keeper no chance. it was too fast for him in the 72nd after referee Letticia Viana awarded Leopard a penalty for a handball inside the box won its scorer.
A fast-flowing game it was but one that lacked clear-cut chances, especially in the first half but Sundowns’ Sandanezwe was twice called out of his goal to save from Mzoro and Barry Steenkamp.

It was mostly about the individual brilliance of the players in both teams, winger Justice Figuareido the stealing the show on the day.
He made it all look so simple, no wonder the Mbabane Highlanders’ packed grandstand adored and cheered him and the whole Sundowns’ team, especially because he would the trick, get the ball to the entertaining Darren ‘Dazza’Christie then Jean Nguimbous – they were impressive to watch on the day.

Sundowns pulled one back through Darren Christie’s header from Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s corner kick.
However, it was a little too late as only two minutes was left on the clock. In the end, only one team would emerge victorious as this is a knockout, E800 000 the prize at stake for the champions.
Leopard joined their rivals Young Buffaloes and Mbabane Swallows in the semis who had played the previous day.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: