Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a game filled with high tension, Mbabane Swallows ended their three-season draw record with Young Buffaloes and momentarily climbed to the summit of the standings.
The two sides crossed swords in an exciting MTN Premier League match played here yesterday. It was super-sub Siyabonga Zwane, who broke the draw record to hand Umkhonto KaShaka a 2-1 win over the army side and dethrone defending champions Green Mamba from the pole position. It was the hosts, who drew first blood via the boots of national team Sihlangu winger Bongwa ‘Owa’ Matsebula, who scored one of the quickest goals in this campaign. The army side capitalised from lanky midfielder Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst’s back pass, which ‘Owa’ intercepted dribbled past defender Kingsley Kwakyi to drive the ball into the net.
Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was called to action as he denied ‘Owa’ a brace from close range in the 18th minute of the game. On the other hand, ‘Fela’ tried to redeem himself as he took shots at goal, but the Mandla ‘Stofu’ Dlamini charges’ goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo saved everything thrown at him. It was Kwakyi, who restored parity for his side deep into added time of the first stanza. He beautifully nodded home a cross delivered Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela, to confirm that the game went to the break, with the scoreboard reading 1-1. After the restart of the second half, the sides pressed hard for the second goal, Swallows were first to make a meaningful attempt as Felix pulled the trigger, but his effort hit the post, with Nxumalo beaten between the sticks.
The red and white capital city giants were forced to bring in Siayabonga Zwane for the injured Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. It was a blessing in disguise for gaffer Caleb Ngwenya as Zwane grabbed the winner three minutes after the hour mark. He cleverly picked by Badenhorst inside the box, with all the time, he controlled the ball and let fly a ground shot, which gave Nxumalo no chance between the sticks. On the other hand, Buffaloes tried so hard to salvage a point, but in vain, this was confirmed when striker Njabulo Maziya shot wide inside the box with the keeper to beat. The result saw Swallows claiming the number one spot on the log from defending champions Green Mamba, who played to a 2-all draw with Mbabane Highlanders in a game which was played at the KaLanga EFA Technical Centre.
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