TINYOSI BACK IN FIRST DIVISION!

(At Killarney Sports Ground)

19 Celtics...............................(2)2
Lucky 2nd, Xolani 15th
Tinyosi...................................(2)2
Maswazi 21st, Simphiwe 45+5
(Tinyosi won 5-3 on aggregate) 

PIGG’S PEAK – Southern Hhohho side Tinyosi survived the dramatic regional play-offs to soar into the National First Division League.

A 2-all draw against 10-man Northern Hhohho champions 19 Celtics, in the pulsating decider at Killarney Sports Ground just outside the small Pigg’s Peak town yesterday saw the visitors winning 5-3 on aggregate to return to the country’s football second-tier after three years in the ‘wilderness’. They are also E20 000 richer for winning the league.

With a two-goal cushion from the 3-1 first leg win last week, Tinyosi had an easier job as they just needed to avoid defeat by more than two goals to go through.

The hosts got off to a dream start, as they were two goals up in the first 15 minutes, courtesy of strikes from Lucky Nkonyane and Xolani Mnisi. If they shut their backdoor afterwards, they should have claimed the title on away goals.
However, their joy was short-lived as Tinyosi responded through Maswazi Dlamini with a curled free-kick on the edge of the box. Simphiwe Makama completed the comeback to ensure the teams were level-pegging at the break.

The teams were still adventurous after the restart, but 19 Celtics were dealt another blow as the referee sent Masiza Masango off for a second bookable offence. Despite banging hard on the opposition’s door, especially after the hour mark, 19 Celtics could not find an opening, much to the frustration of their well known gaffer, Sihle Mavimbela, who used to coach Manzini Sea Birds and Green Mamba.

At the sound of the final whistle, the side based just outside Malanti Chiefs’ home base had to endure another unsuccessful bid as they had lost 1-5 on aggregate to Vovovo in last year’s play-offs. For playing in the decider, they will pocket E10 000.

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