‘BULL’ STORM INTO MAIDEN FINAL

 
(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Highlanders........... (2)2
Zungu 36th, 41st
Malanti................... (0)0

LOBAMBA – Giants Mbabane Highlanders shook off Malanti Chiefs to march into their first-ever Ingwenyama Cup final.

Unanswered first half goals by South Africa-born imports Vusimuzi Zungu and Thabiso Mokenkoane were enough to see off the Pigg’s Peak-based ensemble at a rammed to the rafters Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. The latter were in chase of their first final since losing 3-5after extra time to Mbabane Swallows in the decider of the 2013 EswatiniBank Cup.

The capital city giants’ last final appearance was the Charity on August 5 last year when they lost 1-2 to rivals Mbabane Swallows. Their major final was back in 2012 when they lost 1-3 to Green Mamba in the EswatiniBank Cup.

Saul Chaminuka’s troops’ win yesterday set up a decider with 2017 runners-up and hoodoo side Young Buffaloes who ended three-time champions Swallows’ three-year reign with a shock 2-0 win in a blockbuster semi-final.

It proved to be a memorable outing for the thousands of spectators who were treated to crackerjack fixtures which were blended with cultural dances, with Lushikishini sibhaca team again proving popular with the crowd.

nasty

However, it was not all rosy for the two sides during the early exchanges after a nasty collision involving Highlanders’ versatile defender Vusi Vilakati and Malanti marksman Binwell Katinji. Both players were rushed to the nearby ambulances and had to be substituted. In reaction to the incident, Highlanders introduced left-footed midfielder Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule and then dropped Menzi Mamba from midfield to defence. Malanti, on the other hand, were left poorer upfront.

The final result was not a true reflection of the game, as Highlanders should have scored more while Malanti should have reduced the deficit.
The gold and black ensemble should have drawn first blood following an attack against the run of play. Sandile Mazibuko did all the spade work before setting up Katinji with an exquisite cross from the right in the 19th minute. The latter opted to sky his effort from near range.

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