Africa-Press – Eswatini. Capital city giant’s Mbabane Swallows scrapped through gallant Rangers to go top of the MTN Premier League after a 1- 0 win at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre yesterday.
Sibusiso Masuku’s goal in the 47th minute was enough to send Birds to the top of the log, however Masuku’s goal came with some controversy in many of the travelling spectators’ eyes as it was not clear whether the ball crossed the line or not, following Rangers defender Thabo Mngometulu’s clearance.
The game began at a high tempo with Swallows looking to break Rangers’ defence which looked very firm with the whole team showing defensive resilience.
Swallows had an upper hand with their top man Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela making numerous runs and crosses into the box. Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala missed an open chance just 19 minutes into the game after a well-placed cross from Gadlela and he chipped it over the bar.
Moments later, ‘Nunu’ was in disbelief when missing another goal in the 22nd minute after a cross again from Gadlela, where he took the shot straight to the keeper’s hands
Controlling the midfield was Leon Manyisa, who was dictating the pace of the game by providing ample chances to winger ‘Nunu’ who kept shots coming at Rangers goalkeeper Sibonakaliso Vilakati.
The match went to the break in a stalemate with Swallows looking the superior side.
The capital city side finally found their goal two minutes into the second half through Masuku after spurning a lot of chances.
Rangers looked threatening after the introduction of playmaker Ayanda Mabuza in the second half, who kept Swallows defence on their toes, which didn’t go unnoticed with Swallows head coach Caleb Ngwenya introducing seasoned defender Sifiso Mabila to protect the lone goal.
Mbabane Swallows’ win sees them occupying the top sport with only five games to go as they still have a date with Illovo in the next fixture.
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