‘BIRDS’, MAMBA SHARE SPOILS

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Swallows.....(0)1
Tony 66th
G. Mamba...(0)1
Sanele 78th

LOBAMBA - Captain marvellous! What a strike! Mbabane Swallows’ veteran winger and skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze showed his class and quality last night with a well taken out-of-the-box volley which landed right in the bottom right near post, scrapping the upright on its way. This was in last night’s MTN Premier League title race clash. The diving goalkeeper could do nothing to stop it but try he did.

It had been coming since the hour-mark when Swallows took charge of the game after a slow start to the second half. They had already missed two good headers that looked goal-bound, only for Green Mamba captain and national team Sihlangu defender Banele Dlamini acrobatically clear off the goal-line a Richard Mccreesh attempt with their keeper Thokozani Mkhulisi well at sea.

However, the match ended in a draw. Two minutes after Mccreesh’s free header, striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa was unfortunate to see his header scrape off the upright and go wide. This would have been his second goal of the campaign since his return to action this year following over a year and half out due to a head injury.
Ignored
Swallows had already had two penalty claims ignored early on in the first half by referee Thulani Sibandze when the ball came off defenders’ hands inside the box within a space of a minute. Striker Sandile Hlatshwako was quickly closed down in what was a one on one situation and was forced to a weak effort which Mkhulisi calmly collected.
It was in the opening minutes of the second half that Green Mamba looked for the opening but tested Sandanezwe Mathabela with harmless long range shots until the 78th when defender Sanele Tshawuka nodded home unmarked from a Njabulo Tfwala corner kick.
Both sides continued to create chances in what was a gruelling and physical encounter that resulted in at least four cautions, three going Green Mamba’s way.
In the end, it finished 1-all. The result changed nothing in terms of the log standings in the top five as Green Mamba remain second on 40 points and two away from leaders Royal Leopard. On the other hand, Swallows now have 37 points and remain fourth as third-placed Young Buffaloes have a better goal difference.

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