MANZINI – Shocker!
Madlenya proved to be the giant killers in the ongoing Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Trade Fair Cup as they edged out Moneni Pirates 6-5 on penalties under floodlights yesterday. They secured a semi-final spot with Green Mamba, who had earlier brushed aside Mbabane Highlanders. Pirates, also known as the Sea Robbers, failed to convert their dominance into goals throughout the game. They squandered several chances to score and were denied by Madlenya’s solid defence. Madlenya stood their ground to take the game to penalties, keeping Pirates fans on their toes. They showed no fear in the shoot-out.
Their hopes were crushed when Madlenya’s goalkeeper Dumisani Dlamini stopped Muhle Mamba’s penalty after both teams had missed one spot kick each. Gift Gamedze kept his cool and slotted Madlenya’s final penalty to stun the crowd. This was not the first time that Madlenya had won on penalties. In the playoffs, the Lubombo-based side sent Nsingizini Hotspurs packing after a shoot-out. Madlenya will face a formidable opponent in the semi-finals tomorrow.They will clash with Green Mamba for a place in the final.
Back to the game, Pirates were dominant and forced Madlenya to sit back and rely on counter attacks. The first half was dull and goalless, with both sides playing defensively. The game came alive after Pirates introduced Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo, who made a difference in the game. Pirates launched numerous attacks with purpose, but failed to find the target. Their main striker Kitwe Kizadi was wasteful in front of goal.
Phumalane Shongwe also had a chance to break the deadlock 10 minutes before half time, but his shot flew over the bar. Madlenya tried some rare counter attacks, but none of them troubled Pirates’ goal. The first half ended with a deadlock. The second half was more of the same, with Pirates pushing for a goal and Madlenya resisting with grit. Neither side could break the deadlock in normal time.
In the shootout, both teams scored their first four penalties out of five . The pressure was on for the sixth penalty takers. Muhle Mamba stepped up for Pirates, but his shot was parried by Dumisani Dlamini. Gift Gamedze then took Madlenya’s penalty and scored it, sending his team and fans into jubilation.
