‘WESLIANS’ SURVIVE MINI-SCARE

LOBAMBA – Manzini Wanderers fans had to wait for the dreaded penalty shoot-out before they heaved a sigh of relief as their team advanced to the next round of the EswatiniBank Cup.

The hub giants scraped through beating Lubombo Super League side Rail United 5-2 after penalty shoot-out. All thanks to Manqoba ‘Spider’ Maseko, Mpendulo Magagula, Sihle Mkhonta and Stanley Umukoro, who all converted their penalties to ensure Wanderers book a spot in the last 16 of the richly-sponsored Idlala Kamnandzi tournament. Credit should go to the Super league side as they matched the elite league side pound for pound, holding them to a 1-all draw in the 90 minutes of regulation time. Despite a gallant showing during the game, they were not so good in penalty shoot-out as they failed to convert two penalties.

Bhekani Mthembu and Sanele Magagula saw their penalties saved by Weslians goalkeeper Innocent Adjah. It was former Wanderers midfielder Njabulo Maziya, who managed to score for the Sipho Shongwe-led charges. The game had started on a high note with the Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe youthful side threatening to break the deadlock in the early minutes but the super league side stood their ground for a moment.

During the early stages, fans witnessed a muti- scare incident as eggs were found behind Rail United goalposts. They were later removed by a Rail United official from the post.
However, it was not long before the 2018 EswatiniBank runners-up attacked in droves and eventually scored. It was through former Mhlume Peacemakers striker Johnson Mensah, who connected a header from ‘Spider’s weighted cross which the Rail United defender had to deal with.

Stretchered

United goalkeeper Bandlakhulu Tsabedze had to be stretchered off the pitch by paramedics after he landed badly on the turf during a corner kick 20 minutes into the game. He was replaced by Lindokuhle Dlamini. Just when the Weslians thought they got things under control, Rail United stroke like lightning in winter.

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