Africa-Press – Eswatini. Beautiful Birds! Mbabane Swallows booted traditional rivals, Mbabane Highlanders out of the MoMo Cup played yesterday at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Battle lines were drawn before the encounter as Mbabane Highlanders boss, Chief Ally Kgomongwe declared that he would claim the scalp of the rivals.
Umkhonto Ka Shaka managed to come from behind to ensure they ended their rivals’ unbeaten record against them in the capital city derby.
Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha started on the bench for red and white glamour side after he crossed that Rubicon and was also joined on the bench by another new signing in keeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini.
It wasn’t a free flowing as neither side created any goal scoring chances during the opening minutes of the match. Mbabane Highlanders broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Sibusiso Thwala headed home Noko Malekana’s cross to provoke the scenes of jubilation from stands.
After the goal the home side attempted to get to the match by stringing together a few passes but their efforts were in vain.
Instead it was the black and white outfit who nearly doubled the lead but wing back Delisa Gama’s free kick was parried to a corner kick by goalkeeper Sandanazwe Mathabela.
The first half arrived with Solomon ‘Solly’ Luvhengo men at the front foot. At the restart, Highlanders goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala pulled a brilliant save from Felix Badenhorst’s effort.
The red and white outfit managed to level matters in the 53rd minute through right winger, Ayanda Gadlela after the home side’s defence failed to clear their lines. A moment later, Mbabane Highlanders was denied a chance to equalise from what looked like a penalty after Sibusiso Thwala was tripped in the penalty area.
Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya’s charges went ahead and wrapped up the match after 76 minutes on the clock when Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala beat Khanyakwezwe who had been solid between the sticks.
The national team goalkeeper pulled off another brilliant save five minutes later to deny Sandile Hlatshwako who wanted to put the result beyond doubt. This was after Ghanaian international Emmanuel Ansah was disposed in the middle of the park.
With the clock ticking, the visitors failed to respond until full time.
The win also saw the ‘Beautiful Birds’ reclaiming the bragging rights.
Mbabane Swallows have joined Nsingizini Hotspurs, Lozitha Spurs and Moneni Pirates in the semi-finals billed for next weekend.
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