Africa-Press – Eswatini. CAPITAL city giants Mbabane Swallows edged closer to winning the league title following their 3-2 victory over traditional rivals Mbabane Highlanders in a tightly contested match played at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The ‘Beautiful Birds’ are now five points clear at the top of the MTN Premier League log table with 49 points.
The red and white glamour side came into the contest with the aim of keeping the momentum going while the hosts were looking for revenge following the Ingwenyama Cup humiliation.
The log leaders settled fairly quickly into the contest as they enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball possession.
They eventually broke the deadlock in the 4th minute via the boot of Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, who met a decent cross from Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala to put his team ahead.
Swallows also had another goal disallowed two minutes later.
As the match progressed, Swallows players grew in confidence, using their wings to frustrate the opposition.
In the 17th minute, Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala doubled the lead after outpacing Pantjie Zulu on the left flank.
At the stage of the match, Swallows were all over Highlanders. Just after the half hour mark, Highlanders regrouped and began to make inroads towards the opposition half.
They had their goal cleared off the line in the 14th minute.
pulled
They eventually pulled one back in the 31st minute after Siyabonga Mkhonto benefitted from a defensive blunder.
Defender Albert Nkosana failed to clear the ball inside the box, allowing Mkhonto to score in an empty net.
Swallows almost scored the third goal in the 27 minute when Leon Manyisa’s free kick hit the post with Ntokozo Shabangu at sea.
Before the break, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Philani Mkhonto was fouled inside the box by defender Kingsely Kwayki.
Philani cooly slotted the ball in, sending Sandanezwe Shabalala in the wrong direction.
The match went to break at 2-2.
substitution
At the restart, the home side made a double substitution when Siwakhile Shongwe and Kenneth Moloto came in for Siyabonga Mkhonto and Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini.
Highlanders were nearly punished in the 50th minute when their defenders committed a mistake but Ayanda Gadlela missed the target.
Swallows went ahead in the 56th minute through Leon Manyisa’s free kick at the edge of the box, beating the rusty Shabangu between the sticks.
With fatigue catching up on Highlanders, the visitors enjoyed more dominance and ‘Nunu’ missed a clear chance after he found himself faced with the net.
Swallows protected their lead until the end of the match.
Scenes of jubilation erupted from the Swallows stand after the referee blew the final whistle.
Umkhonto kaShaka rule the Mbabane City!
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