‘BULL-ISH ‘WESLIANS THROUGH

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Highlanders ..................(0)1
Thabiso 102nd
Matsapha Utd .............. (0)1
Kwenzokuhle 120+1
(Highlanders won 6-5 after penalties)

LOBAMBA – Cliffhanger, photo finish, close shave! These are some of words that can best describe yesterday’s SwaziBank Cup quarter-final blockbuster between Mbabane Highlanders and Matsapha United that would have easily triggered a heart attack from both sides’ loyalists. 

It eventually took the dreadful ‘lottery’ for the black and white ensemble to eventually shake off the 2017 runners-up in front of about 7 000 fervent spectators at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. Highlanders, who are in chase of their first SwaziBank Cup title in eight years,  thought they had stolen the winner through a spectacular free kick from goal-per-game South African-born import Thabiso Mokenkoane deep into extra time, but the visitors took the game to penalties with a last-gasp bullet header by substitute Kwenzokuhle Khumalo. A penalty kick miss by Matsapha United midfielder Menzi Mamba proved to be the difference during the spot kicks, as Highlanders were flawless from 12 yards out to get their name into the ‘hat’ alongside fellow heavyweights, Manzini Wanderers, ahead of this morning’s semi-final draw at the SwaziBank Auditorium at 8am.

The latter also had to scrape through, as stubborn neighbours Manzini Sundowns eventually lost 9-8 after a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes, who eliminated Malanti Chiefs and Royal Leopard, respectively, on Saturday complete the semi-final line-up.

Matsapha, who came to the game dangling underdog nametags, had done their homework, putting up a brave fight in the quest to shut down the opposition’s wing play.

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