MANZINI – Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa lived up to his reputation as a big-game player, scoring twice to lead Green Mamba to a 2-1 victory over Manzini Sea Birds in a tense Ingwenyama Cup semi-final at Mavuso Sports Centre.
The win secures the Correctional Services side a place in their third final of Eswatini’s premier knockout competition and a minimum payout of E650,000. They will now look to claim the E1.45 million grand prize and a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Green Mamba dictated the early tempo, with Ndzinisa testing goalkeeper Lindani Mtsetfwa within the opening minutes. The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Mphumuzi ‘Bhada’ Sangweni was fouled in the penalty area. Ndzinisa stepped up and converted the resulting spot-kick to give the ex-champions a 1-0 lead.
The match took a dramatic turn in the second half as Sea Birds, chasing their first-ever final appearance, stepped up their intensity. Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when substitute captain Muzi ‘Freeway’ Tsabedze met a Philani Mkhonto cross to level the scores.
Tensions flared off the pitch during the encounter, leading to the dismissal of Sea Birds’ physical trainer, Thembumenzi Mayisela, for dissent. On the field, both sides searched for a winner in regulation time, with Green Mamba’s Mbongeni Magagula hitting the woodwork and Sea Birds having a late penalty appeal turned down by referee Thulani Sibandze.
With the scores level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the match moved into extra time. The breakthrough finally came late in the additional period when Ndzinisa rose unmarked to head home another Sangweni cross, sealing the victory and his brace.
While Green Mamba prepares for another final, Manzini Sea Birds exit the tournament with a E225,000 consolation prize after a spirited performance that pushed the former champions to the limit.
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