CITY BEAT ’DOWNS

MANZINI – A late strike by talented Midas Mbabane City right footed winger Mthunzi Mkhontfo ensured the basement side earned their first win this season as they downed Manzini Sundowns 2-1 yesterday.

Mkhontfo struck three minutes from time with a well taken shot from close range after pouncing on a brilliant through ball by Linda Msibi from the belly of the park. The pass was too good it set Mkhontfo one on one with the goalkeeper Pride Zendera but with just one touch it was in the back of the net.

After this goal, the score was now 2-1 and immediately City scored, discontent Sundowns fans got up and left the stadium cursing their coach Mpendulo Ngwenya whom they questioned his decision to pull out midfielder Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze early in the second half when he was still very much effective in the their play.

However, those were just angry fans otherwise it was City who deserved all the credit as it was a well fought for and deserved victory. Worth mentioning is that Sundowns has often struggled against City and to some it was not surprise they lost even though most supporters felt they gave this one away.

Meanwhile, Sundowns had opened the scoring early in the game, in only 14 seconds from the first whistle. Striker Bobby Carrington got a belated Valentine’s Day bonus when City defender Maqhawe Dlamini miscontrolled a back pass as they got the game underway.

Carrington disposed him and charged forward, coming face to face with the City goalkeeper Machawe Mamba who he beat with a brilliant scoop above him as he advanced out of goal with the ball landing in the net.
Otherwise, after a host of clear cut chances had gone begging for City and with Sundowns goalkeeper Pride Zendera making three daring saves from striker Linda Msibi and Mthunzi Mkhontfo, City equalised through midfielder Siboniso ‘Jomo’ Maseko.

He converted from the spot kick after a Sundowns’ defender handled the ball when his goalkeeper blocked back into play a powerful shot by left wing midfielder Njabulo Gamedze who had been set up by Linda Msibi.

This was City’s first win this season 16 league games as they only five points down the table, all draws but yesterday added their first three points as they fight for survival even though they look to have slim chances.

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