By Lwazi Dlamini
(At King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium)
South African import, Tony ‘Ben10’ Muchacha came off the bench to net a priceless winner two minutes before full-time for a well-fought 1-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs as Mbabane Highlanders maintained their fourth spot on the MTN log standings.
Muchacha came in for another South African import, Kenneth Moloto with ten minutes left before full-time and went on to toe-poke the ball into the net after a Letshwero Bereng cross was not cleared by the Nsingizini Hotspurs defence.
It was a sucker punch to the brave Nsingizini Hotspurs side which had put up a good fight in an enthralling clash watched by over 1 000 fans. Nsingizini Hotspurs, the inaugural MoMo Cup winner, have now gone seven games without a win and have now lost four games this season.
Nsingizini, spearheaded by the talented Thubelihle Mavuso matched a Highlanders side commanded by midfield maestro in Lesotho international, Bereng who was a marvel to watch, pound for pound.
When the game looked headed for a goalless draw, cometh the hour, cometh the man. ‘Ben10’ Muchacha stepped up to toe-poke the winner home, with the ball spilling over the jelly-like hands of the goalkeeper, Sibusiso Dlamini.
It felt like a stab in the heart to the watching home fans including club President Derrick Shiba who stood transfixed at the sound of the final whistle. Highlanders also won the first leg encounter 1-0 on 20 November 2022 when Philani Mkhontfo’s 10th-minute penalty proved to be the winner.
In another clash played at the same venue, Manzini Sea Birds beat Manzini Wanderers 1-0 to end a four-match winless streak.
MTN FULL RESULTS (WEEK 15):
Mbabane Swallows 2 Moneni Pirates 0
Buffaloes 2 Denver Sundowns 1
Seven Dreams 1 Royal Leopard 5
Manzini Sea Birds 1 Manzini Wanderers 0
Nsingizini Hotspurs 0 Mbabane Highlanders 1
