Swallows FC claimed maximum points in a 2-0 victory over Chippa United at the Dobsonville Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Friday night.
As the game commenced, Swallows and Chippa immediately battled for the ball in the middle of the park as the feeling out process got underway.
With very little to separate the two teams in the opening 10 minutes of the encounter, it was Chippa United who edged the home side in the ball possession count.
After 15 minutes on the clock, Swallows were reduced to hitting Chippa on the counter attack, as the Chilli Boys looked dangerous in attacking positions.
The Dube Birds gained confidence as the tie progressed and began seeing more of the ball after 20 minutes played. With each attacking move from the home team, Chippa United often found themselves sitting back in soaking up the pressure.
As the 30 minute mark approached, Swallows began dominating the match with the travelling outfit struggling to get out of their own half. The Soweto side’s pressure paid off in the 34th minute as Wambi’s shot from outside of the penalty area managed to find the back of the net, much to the dismay of Nwabili in goal.
With the referee calling time on the first 45, Swallows headed into the break holding a slender 1-0 lead.
In reshuffling their packs, both teams made changes at the introduction of the second-half. An animated Ernst Middendorp continued to rally his troops from the sidelines with the Chilli Boys getting the subsequent 45 off on a positive note.
After an hour of football played, Chippa continued to make way in the opposition half, while the Dube Birds responded with attacks of their own. Against the run of play, the hosts doubled their advantage in the 70th minute, after Malinga added his name to the scoresheet.
Swallows surrendered the ball for prolonged periods toward the end of the match, as Chippa United searched for openings in the home side’s backline.
However, it was not to be for the Chilli Boys as Swallows FC claimed all three points in Soweto.
Swallows FC: ( (1) 2 (Wambi 34’ Malinga 70’)
Chippa United: (0) 0
Swallows: (Mbanjwa, Isaacs, Sasman, Allan, Sait, Lukhubeni (Mtshali 86’), Mthethwa, Khumalo (Zulu 45’), Malinga (Mngonyama 78’), Damons (Matsheke 69’), Wambi
Chippa: (Nwabili, Banda (Kammies 45’), Mathiane (Kambindu 81’), Pietersen, Mdunyelwa, Matrose, Luthuli (Konqobe 68’), Mkhize, Lebitso (Mayo 68’), Maarman (Mbenyane 45’), Ighodaro
Discussion about this post