Africa-Press – Eswatini. MBABANE Swallows kept their title hopes alive after thrashing Manzini Wanderers 3-0 during an MTN Premier League match played at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
By winning the match, Swallows ensured they are just one point behind the current leaders Green Mamba.
Coming to the match, Swallow presented a makeshift match squad which was captained by returning veteran striker Sandile Hlatjwako, who had missed a few games due to injury.
He started in an unfamiliar role at left back instead of Siphosethu Mabilisa, who is out injured.
It was a stuttering start to the match, which saw a lot of stoppages in play with a lot of fouls and free kicks given in the opening five minutes of the game.
This also saw referee Leticia Viana brandish a yellow card to Kingsley Kwakyi after a foul on Siphamandla Dhlamini.
Swallows were the first to have a real chance at goal in the 18th minute when Kwakhe Thwala tested Weslians’ keeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza in goal.
Swallows were denied a goal after 30 minutes played when Orion Samba’s headed effort hit the bottom post to come out after it looked like it was going in.
Around 10 minutes of additional time was held up by the fourth official after all the breaks in play
Wanderers’ captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule had his effort on target barely test the keeper as he shot high over the bar in added time.
The capital city giants finally found the goal they needed in the sixth minute of added time, as Orion headed into the far post from Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala’s cross, after the skilful winger skinned the defender alive in the corner with some neat dribbling.
That proved to be the last action of the half as Umkhonto kaShaka held a slender lead. Mbabane Swallows made a triple substitution, bringing on Siyabonga Zwane, Ayanda Gadlela and Neliso ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, which would prove to be a master stroke from seasoned coach Caleb Ngwenya.
Tiger’s influence would be felt minutes later as he assisted ‘Nunu’ for the team’s second goal in the 54th minute.
‘Nunu’ was a constant threat upfront linking up with Gadlela on the quick counter attacks, and came close to doubling his tally but his effort was stopped by ‘Nkomishi’.
Gadlela also tried to get on the score sheet in the 81st minute, attempting a first time scissors kick from Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane’s cross which went high and off target.
The pacey winger would fluff his lines again with two minutes left on the clock.
He would be redeemed by ‘Gusheshe’ also known as ‘The Breadwinner’ with the pint-sized winger putting the final nail in Wanderers’ coffin in the 89th minute.
With the result beyond doubt Swallows saw out the remaining minutes of the match comfortably to record a very important win in their title chase.
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