Swallows ease past Amazulu

DOBSONVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 05, Tsweu Mokoro and Shere Lekgothoane during the MTN 8 quarter final match between Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu from Dobsonville Stadium on August 05, 2012 in Dobsonville, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images

DOBSONVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 05, Tsweu Mokoro and Shere Lekgothoane during the MTN 8 quarter final match between Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu from Dobsonville Stadium on August 05, 2012 in Dobsonville, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images

Published Aug 5, 2012

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Johannesburg – Moroka Swallows dominated their first-round MTN8 match against AmaZulu on Sunday, coasting into the cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Both sides started their 2012/13 campaigns in search of their maiden title in the Top Eight competition, but after repeated surges in the first period, AmaZulu faded as they were outplayed by last season's most improved Premiership side.

Lerato Chabangu found the opener in the 33rd minute with a stunning left-footed volley to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

AmaZulu, who created plenty of chances, but were wayward with their efforts,they came agonisingly close to shutting the gap during first-half extra time.

Kagiso Senamela took a thunderous free kick from outside the area, but he struck the crossbar as the Birds took the advantage into the break.

While the visitors had put up a fight in the opening stanza, they struggled to mount a challenge in the last 45 minutes.

Ashraf Hendricks nearly put Swallows further ahead shortly before the hour mark but his header was tipped over the post by an outstretched AmaZulu goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini.

However, they found another breakthrough five minutes later when Chabangu found Siyabonga Nomvethe in the box and the veteran striker headed home at the near post to secure the win.

Marc van Heerden almost netted a consolation goal with three minutes left, but his free kick bounced off the right post, and seconds later Bennett Chenene came close to scoring Swallows' third, but his effort also hit the upright. – Sapa

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