By Sibongiseni Zondi | 2018-03-18
Mbabane Swallows (1) 1
Zanaco (0) 0
(Swallows advance 3-1 on aggregate)
SOCCER- Mbabane Swallows, the near immortals of Swazi football, have defied all odds to become the first Swazi side to reach the last 16 of the CAF Champions League.
At a packed Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday afternoon, the ‘Birds’ of Mbabane delivered a performance of ages, beating Zambian giants Zanaco 1-0 to advance to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League 3-1 on aggregate.
“Six, six, six,” bellowed the Swallows supporters as the match neared its ending yesterday- a reference to the about E6.6 million the Mbabane giants are set to pocket for reaching this stage of Africa’s premier club competition. The jackpot being the biggest prize money to be won by a local side, Swallows have struck it rich but more so, this is a victory for Swazi football.
The match’s importance was made clear before kickoff as throngs of Swazis crammed the national stadium to witness what they hoped would be history in the making. Swallows knew they had to step up. Carrying a 2-1 lead from the first leg, the ‘Birds’ knew they could not afford the meltdown of the second leg last month in the preliminary round when they were beaten 3-1 by Bantu FC of Lesotho but luckily advanced on the away goals rule.
Swallows were out to avoid history repeating itself and began the match well, eager to maximise their home advantage, boosted by the boisterous crowd. Mercurial playmaker Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze and Captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze came close in the opening ten minutes. Talisman Felix Badenhorst’s fantastic volley in the 20th minute was saved brilliantly by Zanaco goalkeeper Nsabata Toaster as Swallows kept pushing for the opener.
Swallows’persistence finally paid off four minutes later as they broke the deadlock through veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko.
The ‘Birds’ broke out on a lightning counter attack before Badenhorst picked out Nhleko on the edge of Zanaco’s 18 area.
With goalkeeper Toaster rushing, Nhleko expertly looped the ball over the shot stopper and the nation watched as it slowly settled into the net. Breakthrough! That goal evoked massive celebrations from the Somhlolo crowd. It was just what Swallows needed, they were 3-1 up on aggregate, a mountain to climb for the Zambians.
The tempo of the match went up from that point onwards but the score was unchanged for the remainder of the half as Swallows took their 1-0 lead into the break. As soon as the second half began, Swallows’ plan was clear. Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati’s charges had the advantage and limited their forward adventures. Zanaco had to take the game to the locals but at the back, the central defence pairing of Mandla Palma and Stanley Umukoro were immense.
Umukoro in particular was an unarguable man of the match. Unshaken, the towering defender cleared away everything in sight. He didn’t put a foot wrong. In front of the defence was the equally impressive Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu who marshalled the midfield brilliantly, showing his experience and maturity.
Those three were without doubt Swallows best players yesterday and, in the second half, their importance was underlined as Zanaco piled on the pressure.
As the clock hit 80 minutes, Swallows supporters broke out in song again, this time singing “Sikuvangendzaba ye Zanaco, kantsi umnadzi kangaka.” They were smelling blood. History was beckoning for a side whose resistance has been tested immensely just this year alone. Resting in his grave at KaLanga, Siteki, the dearly departed Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze might have heard the sounds of celebration as the referee blew his whistle to end the match and confirm Swallows’ place as one of the 16 best football sides in Africa.
The celebrations were massive. Those celebrations went on until late in the evening in Mbabane as Swallows fans sang and danced at their aptly named ‘Swallows corner’ near the Swazi Mobile Headquarters in the capital. They were celebrating history. Mbabane Swallows have made history in Swazi football.
Teams:
Swallows
Nkomishi, Mabila, Mkhweli, Umukoro, Palma, D4D, Pupu, Tony, Wonder, Felix, Sandile (Simanga).
Zanaco
Nsabata, Tembo, Nakena, Rusike, Zulu, Mbewe, Chavda, Phiri (Mususu), Musonda (Mpiana), Bwembya, Chilufya.
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