By Lwazi Dlamini
(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Celebrations which will last through the night engulfed the Mavuso Sports Centre this on Sunday after Manzini Wanderers snatched a crucial 2-1 win over relegation-haunted Tambankulu Callies in referee’s optional time.
Wanderers might have not moved from position 11 on the log standings but the three points from today’s fortuitous win helped move the ‘Weslians’ nine points away from the drop zone with two games against Moneni Pirates and Mbabane Highlanders remaining.
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It was a sweetly struck free kick by the dependable Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule from the edge of the box which handed the maroon and white outfit the sixth win of a season deep in referee Leticia Viana’s four minutes of added time.
‘Mlaba’ struck it to the roof of the net, sending the Wanderers fans into delirium. Callies director Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba was left crest-fallen having seen his team take the lead in the 32nd minute when Daryl Carmel finished off unmarked inside the box.
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Callies’ misfortune, which might sound a death knell in their relegation fight with Tambuti FC beating Manzini Sea Birds 2-0 at Mayaluka Stadium was compounded by one of their own when defender, Khulekani Manana beat his goalkeeper, Sicelo Dlamini with a header while trying to clear a long ball by Simphiwe Manana six minutes before time.
Fortunes favour the brave. Indeed, Wanderers were awarded a free kick in the referee’s optional time and Mlaba became an instant hero when he fired the ball into the roof of the net for a season-saving win which was wildly celebrated by the overjoyed Wanderers fans.
