(At Nsukuwansuku Stadium)
Sea Birds.........(0)0
Swalllows........(0)0
MHLUME – Manzini Sea Birds’ MTN Premier League title pursuit stalled yesterday at Nsukwansukwa Stadium after a 0-0 draw with Mbabane Swallows, leaving them seven points behind.
The result keeps Manzini Sea Birds in second place with 51 points, facing a significantly narrowed path to glory, with only three matches left in the season.
While the stalemate hampered the challengers, the point earned by Mbabane Swallows moves them to 40 points, effectively securing their place in the league’s top four.
This outcome strengthens the position of league leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs, who now maintain a comfortable cushion at the summit.
Sea Birds dominated the opening 25 minutes of the contest, led by the playmaking Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto and Joseph Kibonge.
Attempting to replicate their 2-1 first-round win over Swallows, they launched several dangerous attacks.
However, Swallows’ goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela and loanee left-back Majahandzile Nhlabatsi remained resilient, neutralising every threat Kibonge directed at the goal.
Swallows stayed disciplined and defensive throughout the high-pressure opening period.
The tactical balance changed in the 34th minute when Swallows’ Phumlani Matsebula left the pitch due to injury.
His replacement, Phiwayinkhosi ‘Silwabelwabe’ Dlamini, immediately revitalised the Swallows attack alongside striker Njongo Mazibuko.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Nsingizini Hotspurs are firmly in control in the MTN Premier League title race following a slip-up of Manzini Sea Birds in the goalless draw with Mbabane Swallows in Mhlume yesterday. (Pics: Nimrod Hlophe)