Staff Reporter.
Swallows FC came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over GladAfrica Championship side TS Sporting in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 match at the Dobsonville Stadium.
The Dube Birds started the match brightly and created the better chances in the opening exchanges, and they should have at least been 2-0 up in the first 15 minutes of the lively encounter.
Kagiso Malinga cut inside and unleashed a low shot which hit the crossbar, before Mwape Musonda forced goalkeeper Samkelo Mbambo into a low save after the Zambian striker had been set up by Monnapule Saleng.
Swallows were left to rue those two chances when the visitors broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Keeper Thela Ngobelo denied Ibroihim Youssouf, but Sibusiso Fakude scored from close range to hand Sporting a 1-0 lead.
Swallows then piled pressure on TS Sporting as George Matlou’s attempt was cleared off the goal-line by Rooi Mahamutsa, before Saleng hit the woodwork from close range and the score 1-0 to Sporting at half-time.
Dylan Kerr, the Swallows head coach, made a triple substitution prior to the start of the second half as the English tactician introduced Gamildien, Dillon Solomons and Siphesihle Mbhele, who all made an impact.
Gamildien made an immediate impact as he provided an assist when Yagan Sasman hit the back of the net to make it 1-1 in the 48th minute and it was the former Kaizer Chiefs defender’s second goal of the season.
Solomons also grabbed an assist when he set up Gamildien, who made no mistake as he beat Mbambo to hand Swallows a 2-1 lead eight minutes before the hour-mark after the Sporting defence was exposed.
TS Sporting launched attacks through the likes of Paseka Sekese and Zacarias as they looked to snatch a late equaliser, but the hosts stood firm at the back, and ultimately, Swallows emerged 2-1 winners on the day.
Nedbank Cup Last 32 Results:
University of Pretoria 2-0 Chippa United.
Richards Bay 0-4 Mamelodi Sundowns.
Swallows FC 2-1 TS Sporting.
Golden Arrows 1-1 (6-7 pen) TTM.