Swazi Observer

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BIRDS DROP POINTS

By Sibusiso Masilela | 2020-01-27

Denver Sundowns…………… (1)1

Mbabane Swallows…………. (1)1

SOCCER - CAPITAL City giants Mbabane Swallows were unable to close the gap on log leaders Young Buffaloes after dropping two points against a stubborn Denver Sundowns.

The red and white glamour side were held to a 1-all draw by the ‘Kappa Boys’ during an MTN Premier League match played at Somhlolo National Stadium.

The result was a stab in the heart for the ‘Beautiful Birds’ as they were frustrated by the stubborn opposition, who gave up a brave showing on the day following the return of their Ghanaian coach Christopher Ennin from holidays.

Swallows paraded two new signings in Allen Mabuza and prodigal son Sanele Mkhweli.

The lanky former Black Swallows man Mabuza forced a fine save from Sundowns goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati in the 13th minute.

The nipple-footed Mabuza turned into a provider for his team’s goal a minute later when he set-up youngster Sizolwethu Shabalala with a defence freezing pass. The maturing development product Shabalala made no mistake by putting the crowd pullers in front with a sublime strike that went past the opposition keeper from the edge of the box. Sundowns did not despair after the opener as they dominated play in the belly of the park, forcing Swallows coach Honour Janza to pull out the ineffective Vusumuzi Zungu for Sibonginkhosi Dlamini in the 27th minute.

Impact

Sundowns brought in Mxolisi Bhembe, who had replaced Mthokozisi Hlatswako. Bhembe made an immediate impact when he connected a great cross from Sibonelo Dlamini to beat Swallows goal minder Sandanezwe Mathabela.

The match went to break with the teams locked at 1-1.

The second half saw Sandanezwe Mathabela pull a great save to deny Linda Maphalala on a one-on-one situation. Allen saw his goal disallowed by the referee after he dispossessed goalkeeper Belize, who tried to make a desperate save after the ball had crossed the line.

Sundowns looked more determined deep into the last stanza as they bombarded the Swallows defence with swift counter attacks.

Winger Linda Maphalala nearly secured a late winner for his side within the three minutes added time but he was denied by the advancing Mathabela on a one-on-one situation.

Teams:

Sundowns – Felizwe, Sibonelo, Samkelo, Mkhuleko, Kingsley, Siphamandla (Thabani), Siyabonga, Enzo, Linda, Mthokozisi (Mxolisi), Phinda

Swallows – Sanda, Xolani, Mkhweli (Ndaba), Kingu, Siboniso, Paito Nhlanhla (Mncedisi), Zungu (Sibonginkhosi), Allen Sizolwethu Tony

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