‘BIRDS’ ELIMINATE GALLANT ’DOWNS

Swallows................................ (0)2
Kabamba 54th, ‘Samba Jive’ 83rd
Sundowns.............................. (0)1
Phumlani 51st

LOBAMBA – Even a recharged Manzini Sundowns failed to stop Mbabane Swallows from stretching their unbeaten run in all competitions to 23.

Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane’s troops were 36 minutes away from stopping the ‘team of the moment’ from reaching their second straight Ingwenyama Cup final but it was the expected outcome in yesterday’s crackerjack semi-final at an almost packed Somhlolo National Stadium. The grave the visitors dug with a teaspoon was not deep enough to bury the elephant.

The as brave as a lion Sundowns, who had thrown more bodies at the back with the hope of catching the opponents off-guard, had the verve to finally burst Swallows’ bubble, drawing first blood through a skipper, Phumlani Dlamini, penalty kick after a goal-less opening period.

However, goals from Kabamba Tshishimbi and Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko kept Swallows soaring higher, setting up a dream final against Young Buffaleos, who eliminated 10-man Tambuti earlier. Swallows and Buffaloes are first and second on the league charts.

For a change, the boisterous home supporters had ants in their pants for prolonged periods after Sundowns, who paraded promising DRC-born defender, Kevin Kungu kept banging hard on their back door during the game played in blistering pace.
It was Sundowns, who dominated the early exchanges, with the duo of Ndumiso ‘Sikhokho’ Shongwe, and trusted winger Darren ‘Dazza’ Christie stuttering in the box with only goalkeeper, Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza to beat inside the first five minutes.

However, the injury of lanky Sundowns defender Paito Dube from a challenge with Sandile Hlatshwako headlined the goal-less opening period.
The deciding half had the spectators on the edges of their seats. Burly Sundowns forward Justice Figuireido, who easily shook off the opposition defenders, earned his side a penalty when his cross from the left wing struck the arm of an unlucky Siphamandla when the game was 50 minutes old.  Skipper Phumlani Dlamini calmly converted the resultant spot-kick rightly awarded by top referee, Mbongiseni Fakudze.

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