BIG BEND – Manzini Wanderers dealt a significant blow to Ezulwini United’s ambitions of claiming the lucrative E120 000 ‘carrot’ incentive, forcing a 1-1 draw at Mayaluka Stadium.
The result proved costly for Ezulwini, who arrived fifth on the MTN Premier League standings and were chasing a victory that would have vaulted them into third place.
A win would have positioned them in better contention against the likes of Nsingizini Hotspurs on 28 points – following Hotspurs’ recent victory over Sisonkhe, as 25 points would have levelled them with Manzini Sea Birds on points.
However, the draw keeps them in the same position with 23 points, matched with Rangers and Young Buffaloes in third and fourth place, respectively.
For the relegation-threatened hosts, the point was a welcome respite.
Wanderers entered the fixture desperate for a maximum haul to launch their escape from the drop zone, sitting just below Ubombo Sugar in 15th with nine points.
Overtaking their rivals would have required a margin of at least four unanswered goals, but the draw kept them in the fight for survival.
Mayaluka Stadium remains Wanderers’ most productive venue this campaign, having delivered their highest points return to date – four points in the MTN Premier League.
The hosts kicked off the first half and struck first in the 12th minute when Andile Dlamini capitalised on a lax back-pass from Ezulwini’s Boniswa Gama to goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula, finishing calmly for 1-0.
The goal injected momentum into Wanderers, who earned a set-piece just outside the box nine minutes later.
Despite the deficit, Ezulwini controlled possession throughout the opening 25 minutes.
The visitors equalised in style in the 26th minute, as Emmanuel Dufia unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Mario Jamine.
Jamine atoned with a superb save in the 34th minute, repelling a close-range header from Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini.
Wanderers wasted a late first-half corner in added time and the sides went into the interval level at 1-1.
Ezulwini restarted the second half with the suspended Alvin Shabashie vocal on the stands as he was serving a ban for accumulated yellow cards.
Wanderers seized the initiative early, creating several chances in the opening five minutes and testing Magagula repeatedly.
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Manzini Wanderers striker Malwande Gwebu (19) outpaces Ezulwini United’s Fakazi Dlamini during their MTN Premier League clash at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday. The game ended in a 1-all draw. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)