BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO
MBABANE – Teams will head straight to penalties in the Ingwenyama Cup during the last 32, last 16, and quarterfinal stages if regular time ends in a draw.
Extra time will only be applicable in the semifinals and finals of the tournament. The knockout competition kicks off on Saturday with 29 matches scheduled, while the grand opening, featuring two games, is set for Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
According to the tournament’s rules and regulations, Article 7.3.1.2 states that if a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed directly to penalty shootouts per the Laws of the Game. If necessary, sudden death penalties will be applied.
For the semifinals and finals, Article 7.3.2.1 specifies that matches will be played as single knockouts. Article 7.3.2.2 clarifies that in the event of a draw after 90 minutes, the match will continue into extra time consisting of two 15-minute halves. If the score remains tied after extra time, penalty shootouts will determine the winner.
The tournament draw was held on Monday, and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) released the fixtures with dates and times on Tuesday.
Grand Opening Matches
On Sunday, Mbabane Swallows will face Ludzeludze Killers at 1:30 PM, followed by Mbabane Highlanders taking on Lozitha Spurs at 4:00 PM at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
Defending champions Green Mamba will visit Masundvwini Royal Swallows on Saturday at Manzini Club in a doubleheader, which will also feature Nsenga Comrades versus Young Buffaloes.
Supporters will pay E50 for a doubleheader and E30 for a single-header match.
Venues for Saturday’s Matches
Doubleheaders are scheduled for Mayaluka Stadium, King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, Prince of Wales Sports Ground, and Mkhuzweni Technical Centre on Saturday, leading up to the grand opening on Sunday.
