(At Tambankulu Stadium)
Tabankulu Celtics ……. 2
Senzo 1st , Malangeni 84th
Mbabane Swallows ….. 1
Philiso 52nd (P)
TAMBANKULU – Tabankulu Celtics gained their revenge yesterday, defeating Mbabane Swallows 2-1 in an MTN Premier League encounter played at Tambankulu Stadium yesterday.
The victory served as a perfect birthday gift for Malangeni Dlamini and a dream debut for Kaizer Chiefs legend Humphrey Mlwane.
The match, played under a sweltering sun at Mabuya, saw Celtics overturn their first-round defeat to the ‘Birds’ with a clinical performance that moved them level on 25 points with the capital city giants, though Celtics now sit higher in the standings due to goal superiority.
Celtics made their intentions clear from the first whistle. Only one minute in, Senzo Mayeyane capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Swallows’ goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini, who had been drafted in to replace the rested Sandanezwe Mathabela, to slot home the opener.
Swallows fought back but found Zweli Sihlongonyane in stubborn form at the back. The defender produced a vital block to deny Wandile ‘Shaka’ Simelane just three minutes later. Despite the pressure from the visitors, Celtics’ defence, bolstered by former Swallows man Karim Madja, held firm until the interval.
The equaliser arrived shortly after the restart. Celtics’ goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Mathe committed a reckless foul inside the area, leaving referee Sanele Ntimane with no choice, but to point to the spot.
Skipper Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso stepped up and coolly converted in the 52nd minute to level matters.
The momentum shifted back to the hosts when Swallows were reduced to ten men. Ncomo Gina received a second yellow card for a foul on Nkosisekho Mabutyana, leaving the ‘Birds’ to navigate the final 20 minutes a man down.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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