Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a brace as Moroka Swallows fought back to beat 10-man AmaZulu FC 2-1 in the DStv Premiership at Dobsonville Stadium on Friday night.
Both sides returned with the same starting line-ups from their previous matches. The Dube Birds claimed a 2-0 victory on the road in the Winelands while Usuthu shared spoils with Polokwane City.
The former Usuthu striker Gabadinho Mhango had an opportunity to haunt his old side when he was awarded a free-kick near the D-line. However, his attempt was parried out by Veli Mothwa.
Moments later, there was a lack of chances for both teams as they were struggling to find space in attack.
In the 20th minute, Daniel Akpeyi made a fantastic save, denying Junior Dion’s header after Abbubaker Mobara whipped in a free-kick. AmaZulu were utilising high-press with Swallows playing the ball from the back.
Pablo Franco Martin’s men nearly capitalised from a mistake by Akpeyi, who lost the ball while trying to trap a back pass. The ball hit the post and Mobara failed to pick up the pieces.
In the 42nd minute, Swallows came close to breaking the deadlock through Tshegofatso Mabasa. However, his header went straight to Mothwa’s hands.
ETHAN BROOKS BROKE THE DEADLOCKS
And just before the final whistle, Ethan Brooks opened the scoring, beating Akpeyi with a powerful long-range to put Usuthu ahead.
After the break, both sides exchanged jabs in the midfield with the home side looking dangerous when jumping the centre. In the 56th minute, Usuthu were reduced to ten men after Mobara received a straight red card.
The former Cape Town City defender was tackled by Keenan Phillips and he retaliated by hitting him with his head.
AmaZulu’s new signing Ben Motshwari was given his first run as Martin tried to strengthen the midfield following Mobara’s red card. While the hosts had a numerical advantage, Usuthu seemed to be applying a low block.
MABASA’S BRACE
In the 70th minute, Mabasa levelled the scoreline with a header from Mngonyama’s diagonal ball. Four minutes later, he came back and made it two for the home side.
Moments later, Dion had a golden chance to equalise for his side but he skied the ball over the bar.
In the 87th minute, Phillips cleared the ball from the line as Tshepang Moremi attempted to pounce on Akpeyi’s error. Swallows remained solid and eventually picked all three points.
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