’DOWNS STUN ‘WESLIANS’ 

MANZINI – An early strike by Manzini Sundowns talisman Melusi Mkhwanazi burst neighbours Manzini Wanderers’ bubble here last night.

After winning five matches in a row, the hosts  were hoping to tighten their grip on the third spot when they made a stop at a slippery Mavuso Sports Centre for the MTN Premier League showdown watched by a roaring crowd. Following the result, Wanderers, who were without dependable Nigeria-born forward, Aladeon Kola, were in danger of dropping to fourth if Green Mamba beat Moneni Pirates in another game played at Mayaluka late last night.
For Sundowns, who were fresh from a 3-2 win over Red Lions, back-to-back victories were a welcome change as they marched closer to the top four with 22 points. Mkhwanazi’s second minute strike was a difference between the sides as Wanderers were like a song sang out of tune. Striker Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe was hardly noticeable upfront.

The Sundowns lanky forward capitalised on a defensive mix-up to curl the ball into an empty net. The duo of Justice Figureido and Sandumuzi Zwane did all the damage at the maroon and white outfit. Despite a late surge, the home team, who are known for building from the back, played out of character during the opening exchanges, losing possession cheaply. Wanderers started to ask questions after the half-hour mark, with Sifiso Matse forcing Kingu Pemba to make a clearance from the goal line. The lone strike separated the teams during the interval.

Wanderers had started the deciding half with renewed vigour. Winger Sicelo ‘Junior’ Simelane tested the agile Sundowns goalkeeper Lwethu Simelane with a long range drive in the 66th minute while substitute Ali Matse was denied from close range by the impressive goalkeeper 12 minutes from time. Sundowns threw more bodies at the back towards the end to hold onto the narrow win and the result was a hard pill to swallow for the hundreds of home supporters, who were mocked by their Highlanders counterparts. It was the first time in six attempts for the clash to produce a winner.

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