Johannesburg – Mpumalanga Black Aces compounded misery on Moroka Swallows with a 3-2 win in their Premiership clash at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.
The loss was Swallows’ fourth defeat in succession and has gone to add fuel to the fire to the beleaguered Soweto giants.
Aces were the first to get onto the scoresheet with a well-orchestrated team goal by Abia Nale in the 27th minute. The pacey winger combined with striker Mabhuti Khenyeza on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that beat the goalkeeper Sage Stephens in his near corner.
Swallows responded in the 42nd minute with a goal by Larry Cohen from a corner kick after a defensive fumble by the opposition.
Aces fought back to ensure they went into the half-time break in the lead as defender Kwabena Adusei rose to header in a goal from a corner kick seconds before the interval.
Aces intensified the attack and duly extended their lead in the 59th minute when Zamuxolo Ngalo was on the end of a set piece to header in to make it 3-1.
Swallows retaliated and with coach Zeca Marques rallying the troops, they responded with a goal from Vuyisile Wana from the bench in the 62nd minute.
The match score suggested that it was a close clash, however Aces were dominant throughout while Swallows were let down by defensive frailties and lack of spark in attack.
The Dube Birds were on the ropes for much of the game, as the team lacked the vigour take control of the encounter.
Swallows playing at home were below par and responded only when the visitors showed more intent to secure the maximum points.
The team trailed for the entire match on their home territory which would surely not please The Birds supporters.
Aces showed more hunger, and followed the lead of stand-in captain Nale who had a stellar game.
Swallows' defensive wall was broken far too easily by the opposition, which had them tied in knots at the back.
Amazayoni did not pull any punches, and went on the offensive early as they wanted to take advantage of Swallows' poor defending and subsequently deny the defence to settle into the match.
Swallows appeared too heavily reliant on veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe.
Again in a peculiar move, Swallows continued with the tactic of starting their best player Lerato Chabangu on the bench.
The ploy worked against Swallows and Aces capitalised on the weakened opposition. – Sapa