(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Swallows………(2)4
Celso 7th, Mshina 13th, Lethukukhanya 53rd, Siyabonga 90+3
Rangers……….(1)1
Major 32nd
MANZINI — A blockbuster 8Bet Trade Fair Cup clash awaits following Mbabane Swallows’ 4-1 victory over Rangers, setting up a historic Mbabane derby for local football lovers.
Mbabane Swallows have renewed their vows with fierce rivals Mbabane Highlanders in the quarter-finals tomorrow. Eswatini’s mother of all derbies will be staged under floodlights on Wednesday at 7:15pm.
Swallows’ victory came in a pulsating 8Bet Trade Fair Cup Last-16 tie, played under cool, clear skies at the Mavuso Sports Centre before a sizable crowd yesterday. Notable figures in attendance included Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa and Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Executive Member Aaron ‘Katalala’ Mavimbela.
Swallows advance to face Mbabane Highlanders, who edged Ubombo Sugar 5-3 on penalties two days ago.
Former ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ shot-stopper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini, who recently joined Highlanders, faces an early reunion with his old club.
Ahead of kick-off, Swallows announced several fresh faces in their squad. Conversely, seasoned campaigners Menzi ‘Nzisto’ Sithole and Neliso ‘Shaka’ Myeni lined up for Rangers.
The energy in the stands matched the action on the pitch. Dressed to the nines, the Swallows faithful rallied their team until referee Njabulo Siphepho’s final whistle.
Swallows made a blistering start. Mozambican defender Celso Chauchane scored the opener, turning in a setup from Royal Leopard loanee Lethukukhanya Dlamini. It marked the first goal scored during the opening period of the tournament, following a triple-header of games where all goals came after the break. It was also the first match to yield at least four regulation-time goals.
Rangers sought an immediate response, with Nduduzo ‘Bhayi’ Mvakali attempting to pick out Shaka, but their efforts were thwarted by Wonderboy Mandlazi and Chauchane. Just six minutes later, Swallows doubled their lead when Thandolwethu ‘Mshina’ Sihlongonyane capitalised on a lapse in the Rangers defence.
The visitors pulled one back through Majaha ‘Major’ Msibi two minutes after the half-hour mark, but Swallows carried a 2-1 lead into the interval.
Less than 10 minutes after the restart, Swallows poured salt on the wound, as debutant Lethukukhanya announced his arrival in style. Near the hour mark, veteran Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe ‘Sanda’ Mathabela produced a crucial save to deny a low drive from Nzisto.
In the 72nd minute, Mshina linked up cleverly with Mandlazi following a pass from veteran skipper Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati, only to see his shot cleared by Khayalethu Sibandze. At the other end, Rangers substitute Sibonelo ‘Maswidi’ Mhlanga squandered a golden opportunity, heading over Mathabela’s crossbar when a boots-on-the-ground finish was required.
In the closing minutes, new Swallows signing Bavukile Shabangu missed a clear chance, drawing groans from the crowd.
But it rained and poured for Rangers, who were caught out after pushing everyone forward. Siyabonga Dlamini struck late to maintain Swallows’ momentum and seal a emphatic 4-1 victory.
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