(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Magwanyana.............. 0
Amawele..................... 2
Mngomezulu 65th, Maphanga 85th
MANZINI – Amawele began their crucial Premier League promotion and relegation play-off campaign with a flawless performance, defeating National First Division outfit Magwanyana 2-0.
The pulsating encounter was staged under cool skies at the Mavuso Sports Centre before a sizeable crowd yesterday. According to tournament rules, the overall points accumulated at the end of the round-robin series will determine final placements, with the top two sides securing Premier League status for next season.
Neither team took the pitch for a formal warm-up session, yet the lack of preparation showed no ill effects during a lively opening sequence. Phiwokwakhe ‘Shalulile’ Matsebula created the first clear opening for Magwanyana, but Amawele goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze held firm. At the other end, Lethukukhanya Dlamini managed to breach the defensive perimeter of Ayanda Ngcamphalala, but his final effort went to waste.
Matsebula came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock after 35 minutes, but his diving header narrowly failed to connect in time to slide the ball past Sikhondze. Amawele continued to push as Mhlengi ‘Jizah’ Mngomezulu saw an attempt yield nothing and a powerful strike from skipper Njabulo Magongo failed to find the target.
The Msunduza-based side then suffered a setback when Sikhondze went down injured and had to leave the pitch. This handed young shot-stopper Andile ‘Khune’ Zwane his opportunity between the posts and he quickly justified his inclusion with two smart saves to keep the match level. As a result, the two sides remained locked in a goalless draw when FIFA-accredited referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini signalled for the interval.
The second half continued in similar fashion with the Amawele captain missing another opportunity ten minutes after the restart. Magwanyana responded with a dangerous cross from Veli Msane, but the ball was safely gathered by Zwane.
Drama unfolded in the 75th minute when Magwanyana substitute Njabulo Ngcamphalala was sent off for allegedly handing his goalkeeper an unidentified foreign substance. Shortly after the incident, Sibusiso ‘Tito’ Gamedze missed a crucial chance, while ‘Shalulile’ was forced off with an injury.
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Amawele’s Ntsetselelo Mpanza controls the ball as Magwanyana’s Benele Simelane closes in. (Pic: Ntombikayise Gwebu)