Swazi Observer

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RESILIENT BIRDS EDGE RANGERS

By Siphosethu Dlamini | 2023-09-18

Mbabane Swallows..................(0)(2)
Rangers.............................. (1)(1)
Soccer –A wounded animal is a dangerous one.
This proved true for capital city giants Mbabane Swallows as they came from behind to beat Rangers 2 - 1 during their MTN Premier League match at King Sobhuza II Stadium yesterday.

The two sides started with low momentum as both seemed to be holding their horses only for Swallows to get caught off guard just 15 minutes into the game.

This is when Sandile Mbingo fired a top notch shot outside the box, aiming for the 90 degree postage stamp shot, leaving Swallows shot stopper Sandanezwe Mathabela stretched to the limit.

Rangers’ top man Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane delivered a promising cross into the box in the 19th minute, only for it to go wide at the face of the goal.

Some good interpassing between Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dalmini and Kwakhe Tfwala delivered a golden chance on a silver platter for Leon Manyisa, who fired straight into Mduduzi Onyango Mngometulu's hands.

The two sides went to half time with Rangers leading by a single goal and looking likely to stun Swallows.

Upon resuming the second half, coach Caleb Ngwenya introduced new blood bringing in Felix Badenhorst and Mbombo Diakuti in place of Nhlanhla Ngwenya and Mancoba Vilakati.
This proved to be an inspired and a tactical master stroke as Felix got the equaliser for Swallows in the 60th minute from a rebound ball after numerous failed chances in the box.

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This sprung new life into the Beautiful Birds as they pressed forward and looked threatening in attack.

Swallows took the lead in the 81st minute through Ayanda Gadlela’s long range shot that gave Rangers’ Onyango no chance.

Swallow’s Leon Manyisa could have extended the lead for the capital city giants when missing the target by few inches from a good shot outside the box.

The match eventually ended in favour of the capital city side, who managed to bounce back from their heavy defeat last weekend to start their season on a high note.

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