G. MAMBA’S AUDU-BLE SLAYS MALANTI

Green Mamba’s Mohammed Audu lifted by Lawrence Mncina after he scored a brace against Malanti Chiefs during the SwaziBank Cup game played at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday. Green Mamba won 2-0. (Pic: Ntokozo Magongo)

MANZINI – Surely the gods of football can forgive anyone suggesting a change of slogan for Green Mamba to ‘Beware Audu bites!’ as Nigerian Audu Mohammed single-handedly transported the side to the quarterfinals of the SwaziBank Cup.

 Two second half clinical strikes by the attacking midfielder ensured the Correctional Services side sank its venomous fangs in the unsuspecting Malanti Chiefs. The lukewarm second round fixture of the Kusenjalo Washa-Thu tournament was played at the Mavuso Sports Centre and clearly failed to live up to its pre-match billing.
Both teams were cautious, even though Malanti seemed to be the more adventurous of the two. Green Mamba relied on the intimidating presence of gigantic forward Mbuso Gina and pumped long balls for the big striker to run after.

The strategy seemed to work, as it frustrated the more attack-minded Malanti side. After a barren first half in the game well handled by referee Mbongiseni Fakudze, it was evident the clash would open up a bit in the last half.

Mohammed opened the scoring about 13 minutes after the restart. He was allowed space to invade the danger area and with the Malanti defenders of Raphael Ntimane and Sifiso ‘CJ’ Dlamini anticipating the Nigerian would pass to Gina, the latter had other ideas.

He pushed forward and coolly planted the ball in the far corner of the net.
Malanti understandably became desperate and in the process careless. They lost their otherwise impressive shape as they surged forward. It was a costly mistake. Mohammed was back to punish them only eight minutes later. Finding himself with acres of space inside the danger area, the sure footed ace unleashed an unstoppable shot from close range to seal the tie.

Malanti, despite their dominance of the possession, were never really a threat, as they lacked the killer instinct. Without their top striker Sandile Hlatjwako and influential playmaker Vusi Madinane, they were like the Wailers without Bob Marley, a bird without a song.
Referee: Mbongiseni Fakudze (good game)

Man of the match: Audu Mohammed – He did all the damage with his clinical strikes.
Goal of the day: It has to be the first goal by the Nigerian. He showed composure when he moved forward and never panicked before picking his spot.

Shot of the match: Sihle Ndaba unleashed a thunderbolt in the first half that looked to be headed straight into the net but somehow missed the target. 

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