(At Tabankulu Stadium)
T. Celtics........(0) 2
‘Skosh’ 79th, Bongani 87th
N. Hotspurs....(0) 0
TABANKULU - Tabankulu Celtics delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing to secure a 2-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs at Tambankulu Stadium yesterday.
The result ensured the rookies extended their impressive run against the league’s heavyweights on top of storming into the top four. The hosts kicked off proceedings under sweltering conditions, but it was Nsingizini who seized the early initiative.
The visitors carved out a series of half-chances in the opening 10 minutes, probing with intent and forcing Celtics onto the back foot. Yet, for all their endeavour, Hotspurs lacked the cutting edge, as Celtics’ defence held firm.
Celtics, in contrast, looked dangerous from set pieces. Their corner kicks repeatedly threatened, only to be repelled by the heroic interventions of Khanyakwezwe Shabalala in the Nsingizini goal.
The issues of discipline saw the first booking of the game in the 14th minute when Hotspurs’ Nonadoe Dorfiah earned the game’s first yellow card for a cynical foul. However, Nsingizini’s wing play dominated the opening 25 minutes, with the majority of their chances originating from the flanks.
Ayanda Gadlela spurned a golden opportunity midway through the half, fluffing a free header from Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini’s pinpoint cross. As temperatures soared past 30 degrees Celsius, the referee wisely called for a cooling break at the 25-minute mark, allowing both sides a brief respite.
Despite the flurry of opportunities, the first half ended goalless – a testament to wasteful finishing and strong defending on both ends.
Nsingizini rang the changes at the interval, introducing a triple substitution; Sambulo Simelane replaced Quality Dlamini, Adel Eke came on for Thando Langa and Mvuselelo Mthethwa entered in place of Nonadoe Dorfiah.
The game remained quiet until the 70th minute, when Nkosingiphile Mathe produced a moment of brilliance in the Celtics goal.
The shot-stopper’s anticipation was spot-on, diving to thwart a goal-bound header and preserve the clean sheet. The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute, courtesy of Bandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu. The signing from Mbabane Swallows latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired home with composure, sending the home faithful into raptures.
Moments later, Celtics goalkeeper Mathe picked up the second yellow card of the afternoon for time-wasting, but it did little to stem the tide.
*Full article available in our publication
Tabankulu Celtics’ Malangeni Dlamini tries to shake off a challenge from Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Thando Langa during their MTN Premier League clash yesterday, which ended in a 2-0 score in favour of Celtics. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)