‘BIRDS’ KEEP SLIM CAF HOPES ALIVE

NHLANGANO - Mbabane Swallows dusted off their setback last Sunday against MTN Premier League leaders Royal Leopard to brush side Moneni Pirates yesterday in a replay match.

Swallows had lost 2-0 to Leopard at KaLanga Technical Centre in what was a tension-filled match with a lot of drama that saw goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza being given a red card in the process. However, Pirates could not get anything from them once again this season as they lost the first round fixture 2-0 before the initial second round tie was abandoned in this very venue. Swallows stars Sandile Hlatshwako and Baba Seidou Blandja scored in each half to ensure they walked out victorious and stayed in the hunt for the second spot and a chance to earn a CAF champions league berth, which is currently occupied by Young Buffaloes who are six points behind Leopard with four games remaining.

Interestingly, Leopard and Buffaloes’ results yesterday also meant Swallows were officially off the title race but on for the runners-up spot, Leopard and Buffaloes play against the other this Saturday. Seidou proved the hero for Swallows as Pirates had levelled matters through Malibongwe Malinga two minutes into the second half after going to the break a goal down. Hlatshwako had put Swallows ahead inside the opening 20 minutes with a header from James Nguluve’s cross. Coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini’s Pirates fought their way back quickly but it did not last long as six minutes after the hour, Swallows made it 2-1 with a Seidou’s goal which was simple tap-in from inside the box after midfielder Enzo Motsa played a low pass into his path. The goal seemed to be all Swallows needed as all other efforts by both teams were in vain. Swallows played the match without their head coach Chris Ennin and the suspended Nkomishi.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: