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By Qondile Ntiwane | 2018-03-08
Zanaco………………….................... (1)1
Swallows………………..................... (0)2
SOCCER – GIANTS Mbabane Swallows defied all odds to fly over Zambian outfit Zanaco FC at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia yesterday.
The red and white glamour side has one foot in the group stages of the CAF Champions League after recording 2-1 victory against the home side.
It was goals from Felix ‘Fela’Badenhorst and Richard McCreesh that saw Swallows come from behind to record a win during the first leg of the two-legged game.
The lanky Badenhorst was first to rattle the net 11 minutes into the second half, cancelling a first half strike by Maisha Chavda three minutes before the breather.
McCreesh beat the opposition goalkeeper Nsabata to seal the deal for Swallows four minutes before time.
Spoiled
Zanaco, however, almost spoiled the party for Swallows one minute into the added time when they were awarded a penalty. It was, however, not to be for the Zambian side as FelixNyaende missed the spot kick, provoking wild celebrations from the Swallows family.
The first 30 minutes of the game saw both sides missing a few chances like in the 24th minute when Ntsabata made a good save to deny Birds striker Sandile Hlatshwayo at close range.
Zanaco were unfortunate not to score in the 36th minute when Bwembya’s shot on goal was saved by Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela.
The sides will now meet at the Somhlolo National Stadium on March 17.
The winner in this encounter is guaranteed a whooping E6.6million plus a spot in the group stages of the African showpiece.
Zanaco coach confident of away victory
SOCCER – DESPITE going down 1-2 to Mbabane Swallows, Zanaco Coach Numba Mumamb is confident his charges will win during the return leg of the tie.
Interviewed after the CAF Champions League first round encounter played at the Nkoloma Stadium yesterday, the coach said his team had enough man power to win away and progress to the next round.
“We didn’t have a good game but we will work hard for the away win. Yes it won’t be easy because Swallows are a strong side and have played in CAF competitions every year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mbabane Swallows Coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati said they were happy to have won the encounter.
“The objective was to get something out of this game and that we won is a bonus for us. We will, however, not relax going into the second leg because Zanaco is an experienced team with an experienced coach.
Progress
“The target is to defend our lead so we can progress to the next stage,” he said.
The coach also stated that the pitch, besides its bad condition on the day, suited his style of play.
“It is small and compact. We are used to playing on big pitches but as professionals we needed to adjust to it,” he said.
Vilakati further added that the victory was for their late Chairman Victor Gamedze.
“This is for our late chairman and is what he would have wanted us to do. He was a good man and we wanted to fight for him,” he said.
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