Africa-Press – Eswatini. This is how Mbabane Swallows showed superiority when they proved to be too good for their arch-rivals Mbabane Highlanders after an impressive 3-0 win at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The ‘Beautiful Birds’ are now through to the finals of the Ingwenyama Cup, where they will face-off with Correctional Services side Green Mamba on a date yet to be confirmed.
The atmosphere was scintillating, captivating and flowing with the sun shining gloriously, and it was all set up to be a cracker of a match too. The venue was filled to the brim as fans came in their numbers.
Fortunately, the fireworks were indeed ignited both inside and outside the field of play, with Mbabane Swallows and Highlanders delivering a football spectacular, oh what a match. The eyes literally enjoyed a ‘scrumptious meal’, if one may put it.
Swallows were the better side in the opening exchanges, with Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala causing havoc for the Highlanders defence with his blistering pace and movement down the right-hand side.
‘Nunu’ should have scored after beating two Bull defenders, but his effort hit the crossbar from a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala.
Swallows eventually scored with a tap-in from Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini. This was after he received a cross from ‘Nunu’ Shabalala from the right flank.
Highlanders pushed for the equalising goal, but an unmarked Frimpong failed to direct his header towards goal, and the score was 1-0 in favour of Swallows at the interval.
Highlanders found it difficult to penetrate the Birds’ backline in the opening stages of the second-half, with Kingsley Kwayki looking solid at the heart of the visitors’ defence.
Swallows continued to attack and they managed to double their lead when Lorch set up Ayanda Gadlela, who turned inside the box, before scoring with a hard shot to beat Shabalala hands-down.
This was a great goal, one that the player himself will cherish for the longest time. Never mind his celebration antics after the goal; he knew what it meant.
His rocket from outside the box’s half left Shabalala looking a little daft and sparked scenes of wild celebrations among the Swallows players and supporters.
Highlanders pushed numbers forward as they looked to pull one back, but they were left vulnerable at the back and were punished by ‘Tiger’ Dlamini following a quicksilver counter-attack.
Dlamini unleashed a low hard shot that beat the goalkeeper hands-down to make it 3-0. Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was also in excellent form and did not make it any easier for Highlanders’ struggling forwards. He stood his ground to deny Philani Mkhonto from close range, among his saves of the day.
Highlanders could not rally as the Birds defence rose to the occasion for perhaps their best performance so far in a Mbabane derby in recent times.
Judging from yesterday’s match, one can safely say the difference between the two teams (Swallows and Highlanders) was endurance. Swallows have it, but Highlanders are struggling a bit.
Meanwhile, the first semi-final saw Correctional Services side Green Mamba beat Young Buffaloes 3-2.
The green and white ensemble scored through Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula and Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa (brace).
Young Buffaloes’ goals were scored by Owa Matsebula and Sabelo ‘Saviola’ Gamedze.
It was indeed a great spectacle, as this tournament mixes sports and culture.
Fans, who included the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima watched great cultural performances as well as athletics as part of the day’s package. It was a great day and the fans were well-behaved.
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