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At Mavuso Sports Centre
Ezulwini United ........ (0) 0
Moneni Pirates ......... (0) 0
(Moneni won 4-3 on penalties)
MANZINI – Last season’s finalists Moneni Pirates relied on nerves of steel and a clinical shoot-out performance to scrape past a resilient Ezulwini United.
The Moneni ‘Buccaneers’ have now secured their place in the Ingwenyama Cup quarter-finals.
The victory not only keeps their silverware ambitions alive, but also guarantees the club a minimum E75 000 windfall from this season’s E1.45 million prize pot.
Under crystal clear skies at a vibrant Mavuso Sports Centre, a capacity crowd witnessed a pulsating Last 16 curtain-raiser. The VIP stands reflected the magnitude of the occasion, with high-profile figures including princes, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khangeziwe Mabuza and football dignitaries.
While the Manzini air was thick with the roar of the supporters, goals remained elusive. Both goalkeepers turned in virtuoso performances, ensuring the tie remained deadlocked through 90 minutes of high-octane football.
Ezulwini Head Coach Musa Manyatsi put his faith in the veteran savvy of Phila Dlamini, hoping the former Sea Robbers midfielder would haunt his old club. Up front, the ‘Stingers’ looked to the seasoned Mpucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini and Ghanaian engine Alvin Shabashie to provide the breakthrough. However, the Moneni rearguard, marshalled expertly by Skipper Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane and Nkhosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe, remained unyielding.
Moneni had their chances early on. Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako’s vision nearly paid dividends in the 17th minute when he picked out Bonkhe Masika, but Siyabonga ‘Gabhadiya’ Magagula was alert to the danger. Moments later, Senanelo ‘Juju’ Nkambule missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock following a sublime pass from Xolani ‘Messi’ Ngwenya.
The contest was a tactical chess match. Moneni’s Innocent Pakule was forced into a last-ditch clearance to deny Siboniso ‘Sweswe’ Motsa, while at the other end, Qiniso Nyawo had to be at his best to claim a powerful header from Evans Silokomela.
Moneni suffered a blow when Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati was forced off through injury, replaced by Bi Zahi Irie Herve. Yet, it was Ezulwini who thought they had snatched the lead in the 43rd minute. Shabashie pounced on a rebound and clinicaly finished at close range, sparking wild celebrations that were cut short by the linesman’s flag for offside.
Just before the interval, Gabhadiya proved why he is one of the league’s most reliable stoppers. A lapse in the Ezulwini defence allowed Masika a free header, but the goalkeeper produced a sprawling, acrobatic save to keep the scores level at the break.
The intensity did not wane in the second half. Juju Nkambule was inches away from connecting with a dangerous Masika cross, while Moneni’s defence continued to frustrate Sweswe Motsa.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
