‘BIRDS’ SWALLOWED!

LOBAMBA – They finally got their revenge.

Royal Leopard are through to the semi-finals of the EswatiniBank Cup Solo Inje edition after shaking off hoodoo side Mbabane Swallows before over 3 000 spectators at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. After losing by a solitary goal in the quarter-finals of the 2016 edition, the police outfit bounced back to shake off the red and white outfit 5-4 after penalties. Edwin Matsebula’s men will now fancy their chances of winning a double, as they are currently leading the pack in the league. Both sides could not be separated after extra time of the feisty and tension-filled showdown. Leopard, who finished with 10 men after the sending off of Frank Dlamini, put their best foot forward during the penalty kicks by converting all their four penalties. Defender Mncedisi Dlamini and striker Sandile Hlatshwako missed for Swallows and the animated visiting supporters saw a CAF Confederation Cup ticket slipping through their favourite side’s hands.

Swallows, who missed suspended skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze, shot themselves in the foot, as they should have wrapped up the match in the first half. DR Congo-born import Lilepo Glody stepped into the shoes of ‘TT’. He looked determined to fill the big shoes of the former Sihlangu skipper until he got injured late in the second half.  When the game was five minutes old, Lilepo did the spadework to set up Sandile who fired over the cross bar in a crowded box. In response, Leopard striker Lungelo Tsabedze, who had a good day in office alongside Man of the Match and twin brother Fanelo, saw his effort tip-toed to safety by goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela. The pendulum swung Swallows’ way for the better part of the opening period after perfecting their wing way, but they survived a scare after Lungelo broke free, only to guide his effort wide.

Four minutes before the interval, Swallows found the breakthrough, as Sandile headed home in a crowded box the opener from a Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko corner kick to give the visitors an advantage when referee Mbongiseni Fakudze signalled for the breather. The latter was noticeably in the spotlight after being forced to dig into his side pockets to caution players at least eight times. On resumption of play, gangling Swallows forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa was presented with a great opportunity to double his side’s advantage. He connected a Sandile Hlatshwako devilish cross from the right, but the former was unlucky to shave the cross bar with a stunning attempt from close range in the 52nd minute.

Leopard proved daring towards the hour-mark and were eventually rewarded after Fanelo forced Paito to handle the ball inside the box. Barry Steenkamp coolly converted the resultant spot kick to restore parity in the 60th minute. After the goal, tempers flared, with the players attempting to rearrange each other’s faces. Sandile also attracted a tongue-lashing from the Leopard bench after he floored Sikhumbuzo Magagula. Swallows got a glorious chance to restore their lead 10 minutes from time, but Leopard had goalkeeper Phephisani Msibi to thank after he made a double save to deny ‘Sikhali’ and substitute Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. It was their last throw of the dice, as the sides were level-pegging after regulation time.

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