Tshegofatso Mabasa showcased his goal-scoring prowess by rescuing a crucial point for Moroka Swallows in their thrilling 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
The opening match of the 2023-24 DStv Premiership season took place on a sunny Saturday afternoon, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more exciting clashes.
In a closely contested encounter, both teams displayed their attacking abilities early on, with promising half-chances traded between them. Swallows’ Tshediso Patjie came close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute, as his curling shot from the left narrowly missed the far post.
However, it was Golden Arrows who found their rhythm and created three excellent scoring opportunities around the half-hour mark. First, Knox Mutizwa was denied a goal in a one-on-one situation by Swallows’ goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi in the 26th minute. Tebogo Motloung followed suit with a left-footed effort that veered wide, and Sazi Gumbi’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar, leaving the visitors relieved.
Unfortunately, Abafana Bes’thende suffered a setback with Motloung forced off due to injury just before half-time. Siyanda Mthanti replaced him, adding a renewed attacking threat to Arrows’ lineup.
Man of the Match
Bongani “Tata” Sam #MorokaSwallows pic.twitter.com/tl0MzayQTs— Moroka SwallowsFC (@Moroka_Swallows) August 5, 2023
Swallows nearly took the lead before the break when Kagiso Malinga outjumped Arrows’ goalkeeper Isima Watenga from a corner kick. However, his header failed to hit the target, leaving the first half goalless.
Golden Arrows roared back to life in the second half, determined to capitalize on their attacking prowess. Their efforts were rewarded in the 51st minute when Mutizwa delivered an excellent pass to Mthanti, who calmly placed a low shot beyond Akpeyi’s reach, giving Arrows a 1-0 lead.
The visitors had a glimmer of hope to double their lead in the 76th minute, but Akpeyi pulled off a crucial save to deny Arrows’ second goal. Swallows quickly capitalized on this save as substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa rose to the occasion. He brilliantly converted a cross from Patjie with a powerful header, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 77th minute.
Mabasa displayed his attacking prowess once again, attempting to put Swallows in the lead with a low drive from a tight angle. However, Watenga made an impressive save, denying Mabasa the opportunity.
Both teams continued to search for a winner, but the match concluded with a shared point for Abafana Bes’thende and the Birds. Despite the draw, spectators were treated to an engaging contest that highlighted the talent and determination of both sides.
Looking ahead, Golden Arrows will face KwaZulu-Natal rivals Richards Bay in their next DStv Premiership fixture on Tuesday, August 8th, while Swallows will host Cape Town City the following day.
Match Stats:
Golden Arrows (0) 1 (Mthanti 51’)
Moroka Swallows (0) 1 (Mabasa 77’)
Arrows Lineup: Watenga, Mantshiyane, Shitolo, Cross, Ndlovu, Ndwandwe, Gumbi, Van Rooi (Ncube 85’), Motloung (Mthanti 40’), Mutizwa, Moon (Nguse 79’)
Swallows Lineup: Akpeyi, Phillips, Allan, Sait, Sam, Shwabule, Jali (Van Ryn 72’), Phalane (Mthethwa 57’), Patjie, Zuma (Tshanini 81’), Malinga (Mabasa 57’)
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