By Ntokozo Magongo
(At Mayaluka Stadium)
M. Swallows…(0) 1
Sandile Hlatshwako 54th
T. Celtics…………(0) 0
Mbabane Swallows flew into the quarter-finals of the Ingwenyama Cup but the victory came at a cost.
Their star striker, Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst dislocated his shoulder in the first haf of the match against National First Division League side, Tambankulu Celtics.
It took more than five minutes for the medical staff to treat him before he was taken off the field and transported to hospital. Badenhorst was then replaced by Sizolwethu Shabalala and the match resumed with Tambankulu Celtics creating more chances but failing to utilise them.
The missed chances would come back to haunt the minnows when Lanky striker, Sandile Hlatshwako scored a fortuitous goal. Hlatshwako scored in the 54th minute to earn the ‘Birds’ the hard-fought victory.
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Tambankulu Celtics was looking to cause another upset in the competition following their shocker over Royal Leopard where they won 5-4 after penalties in the Last 32 stage.
Despite having been knocked out of the tournament, Celtics gave Swallows a run for its money. They almost took the lead at the half-hour mark, but Sandanezwe Mathabela made a brilliant save, stopping Celtics Vusi Ndlovu from scoring from outside the six-yard area.
Swallows who were struggling to control the match got an opportunity five minutes from the break only for Nhlanhla Ngwenya’s shot to hit the woodwork. The game then went for the break goalless.
The second half started with Mbabane Swallows dominating and creating more chances. It came as no surprise when Hlatshwako came face-to-face with goalkeeper Mciniseli Vilane and fired a hard shot that landed in the back of the net, sending the over 500 fans into wild scenes of jubilation.
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In the second half, Swallows made two substitutions resting the duo of Leon Manyisa and Nhlanhla Ngwenya for the hard-working Siyabonga Zwane and Bongiswa Dlamini.
Both teams created chances towards the end of the game, but it ended with a 1-0 score in favour of Mbabane Swallows who are reaching the quarterfinals for the fourth time.
Swallows have won the Ingwenyama Cup three times in the five editions staged. The last 16 matches continue on Sunday with two double headers billed for Mavuso Sports Centre and King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
Mbabane Highlanders will host Louis XIV while Manzini Wanderers take on Madlenya FC at Mavuso Sports with defending champions Green Mamba playing Manzini Sea Birds and Nsingizini Hotspurs hosting Denver Sundowns at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
