MATSAPHA UTD BEAT VOVOVO, BACK ON TOP

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Matsapha.............................. (0)1
Siphamandla 79th
Vovovo................................... (0)0

MANZINI – A lone strike by South African import Siphamandla Dlamini steered Matsapha to the top of the MTN Premier League charts at the expense of a visibly tired Vovovo.

A top spot was up for grabs in the showdown played at a nearly empty Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday. Matsapha grabbed the opportunity to unseat Mbabane Swallows at the top with both hands to go a point ahead of the capital city giants, who are in action today. Breathing heavily down the ‘Deep Blue Ocean’s neck is Young Buffaloes, who are only behind on goal difference following a 1-0 win over Red Lions at the same venue late yesterday .

Vovovo, on the other hand, let slip a chance to top the standings for the first time since winning promotion in July. They remain on nine points after five games, but are still up there mingling with the ‘big boys’.

Matsapha, who beat Green Mamba 2-1, were the fresher of the two sides, while Vovovo’s players’ legs were heavy after playing two games in three days. The latter played Midas City on Thursday and narrowly won 3-2. As a result, they tried to have more of the possession at first to save energy.

It was no surprise that the hosts dominated the early exchanges, but had nothing to show for their dominance before the break. They stuttered in the box as they were not brave enough to pull the trigger.

Vovovo had tried to get into the opposition’s last third on resumption of play. Substitute Phinda Nkonyane’s deceptive header from a curled Mxolisi Tsabedze free kick was well read by goalkeeper Khanyakezwe Shabalala in the 67th minute.

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