Mbabane Highlanders ………………………………………….(1)1
Sibusiso Tfwala (27th)
Mbabane Swallows ……………………………………………..(0)2
Ayanda Gadlela (52nd,73rd)
By Sibusiso Masilela
Mbabane Swallows had to dust themselves from the recent 6-0 bashing at the expense of Mbabane Highlanders, when they earned the early season bragging rights with a resounding 2-1 win over cross-town rivals Highlanders to book a place in the MoMo Cup semi-finals.
The gallant ‘Beautiful Birds’ came from a goal down to outsmart their bitterrivals in front of over 2 000 fans at Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday. This was the first derby win for Caleb Ngwenya since he took over coaching the red and white side last season.
‘Umkhonto kaShaka’, as they are affectionately known, kept their spear under wraps until the second half through goals from Ayanda Gadlela and Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. This was a stab in the heart for Highlanders, who had taken an early lead in the first half through Sibusiso Tfwala after a cagey start in the 27th minute.
The hard-working Tfwala headed home a Noko Molekwane cross after Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela failed to deal with Delisa Gama’s long ball. This allowed the nippy- footed Molekwane to deliver a well-placed cross in the path of Thwala, who provoked wild celebrations from the Highlanders faithful.
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The ‘ Black Bull’ continued to press the opposition with full-back Delisa Gama, having his dipping free-kick saved by Mathabela six minutes before the break. The match went to the breather with Highlanders fans in a jovial mood, as their team enjoyed a slender advantage over their fierce rivals.
The ‘ Beautiful Birds’ came back recharged in the second half as Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst saw his rasping shot being saved by Khanyakwezwe Shabalala a few seconds into the last stanza.
Swallows levelled matters seven minutes into the last half through a low rebound for Ayanda Gadlela from Khwakhe Tfwala’s corner.
Highlanders seem to have been denied a genuine penalty by referee Thokozani Dlamini before the hour mark after Sibusiso Tfwala was pushed by Kingsley Kwaki inside the box on a 50-50 challenge. The FIFA-accredited referee waved play-on, provoking wild protests from the ‘Inkunzi emnyama’ stand.
Swallows’ second half substitute ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who came in for Congolese striker Leon Bombo netted the winner for Swallows in the 73rd minute, in what was a shot coated with sheer beauty.
The skillful development product produced a 25-yard stunner from Siyabonga Zwane, which left Khanyakwezwe Shabalala star-struck like a new-born kitten.
Highlanders could not unlock the Swallows defence afterwards until full-time, allowing their rivals to book a place in the semi-finals on the weekend of September 29 and 30. They will possibly face defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, Moneni Pirates and Minnows Lozitha Spurs at the same venue.
