Nsingizini (0) 1
Luyanda 90+1
Highlanders (0) 0
Game halted in the 91st minute
SOCCER – The Ingwenyama Cup titanic last-16 clash at the Mavuso Sports Centre between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Mbabane Highlanders was halted after 91 minutes following one of the ugliest scenes witnessed in local football.
Fans invaded the pitch immediately after centre back Luyanda Nhlengetfwa scored a rocket from 40 yards in the first minute of added time, breaking a goalless deadlock and seemingly sending Nsingizini into the quarter-finals of the richly sponsored tournament.
With seconds left on the clock, the goal proved decisive — but it also triggered chaos.
Highlanders supporters charged towards match officials, first assistant referee Gcinizwi Sihlongonyane and then centre referee Celumusa Siphepho. The officials ran for safety as enraged fans attacked.
Highlanders super fan Elijah ‘Yellow Man’ Mavimbela was caught in the turmoil and was shot in the knee by a rubber bullet as police from the Operation Support Service Unit (OSSU) intervened to restore order.
Earlier, in the first half, Highlanders winger Sphiwe Cele was hacked inside the penalty box by Nhlengetfwa, but appeals for a penalty were waved away.
In the 90th minute, substitute Nkosivumile Zulu rounded goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Mabuza and went down inside the box. While fans believed a penalty had been awarded, officials signalled a foul by Zulu in the build-up following a scuffle with defender Kingsley Kwakyi.
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The dissatisfaction among supporters was evident. When Nhlengetfwa struck moments later, tensions exploded.
Police were slow to respond but eventually whisked match officials to armoured vehicles. Journalists were threatened, opposing fans were assaulted and objects were thrown onto the pitch.
Gunshots were fired to disperse the crowd. After nearly 20 minutes, calm returned — but the match did not resume.
With no officials available to continue proceedings, Highlanders players briefly acknowledged supporters before retreating to the tunnel. Nsingizini players, who had taken refuge near the eastern stand, followed.
This was the pick of the last-16 fixtures, with seven quarter-finalists already confirmed. One of the heavyweights had to complete the final eight.
The rivalry between the two sides had intensified in recent years. Just last weekend, during Nsingizini’s 4-2 MTN Premier League win at King Sobhuza II Stadium, Highlanders PRO Zwide Ndwandwe was reportedly attacked after the match.
Precautions on this occasion appeared insufficient to guarantee the safety of players, officials, journalists and supporters.
Highlanders captain Sphamandla Maseko suffered a head injury after colliding with Nhlengetfwa in the opening stages and later failed to finish the match.
Goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko, returning from suspension, made a superb save in the 17th minute to tip over a header from Yeki ‘Madumane’ Khumalo.
Defender Ndumiso ‘Ndura’ Mabuza delivered a standout performance, tightly marking Nigerian striker Daniel Okunrinmenta, while Nkosingiphile ‘Skomota’ Shongwe kept Msimisi Zwane in check at the opposite end.
Highlanders began the second half brightly, with Siyabonga Mkhontfo firing narrowly wide. Msimisi later slid an effort over the bar as they searched for the breakthrough.
Nsingizini responded strongly after introducing Quality Dlamini. Okunrinmenta missed a golden opportunity in the 71st minute, heading over from an inviting cross.
Senzo Ndlovu attempted an acrobatic overhead kick in the 82nd minute, but it sailed over.
Then came the defining moments: Zulu’s controversial penalty appeal and, seconds later, Nhlengetfwa’s thunderbolt — a goal that should have sealed progression but instead plunged Mavuso Sports Centre into disorder.
