Swallows FC missed the chance to pull clear of the relegation zone in the DStv Premiership after losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows on Friday night.
The host were able to call on defensive duo Keagan Allan and Bongani Sam following their suspension while they also started goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi for the first time, as Sifiso Mlungwana returned in goal for Arrows.
Abafana Besthende pulled ahead after 15 minutes as Pule Mmodi picked up a delivery from a well-executed move and fired from way out, giving Akpeyi no chance.
Swallows regained ground on the half-hour mark and looked to have gone ahead through a smart finish from Lindokuhle Mtshali, but the flag for offside went up and the effort didn’t stand.
The visitors managed to come alive following the slight scare and a switch of play by Mmodi and Knox Mutizwa allowed Nduduzo Sibiya to unleash a shot, but Akpeyi collected.
Swallows made a strong start to the second half and were close to the equaliser through shots from Kwanda Mngonyama amongst others before Mlungwana parried.
However, Abafana Besthende maintained their advantage as a few half-chances launched by Sibiya, Mutizwa and Mmodi particularly unsettled the Dube Birds.
The Dube Birds, though, got a chance to draw level with a free-kick by Mtshali around the closing quarter, but the effort didn’t trouble Mlungwana.
Abafana Besthende looked to freshen things up later on and introduced Ryan Moon from the bench for Sifiso Magawana with the clash tightly balanced.
Swallows went all out for the equaliser in the final minutes ahead of time, but weren’t able to get through the rear-guard and left Abafana Besthende to victory.
Confirmed line-ups:
Swallows: Akpeyi, Mtshali, Wambi, Allan, Mngonyama, Sait, Damons, Sasman, Uromi, Sam, Malinga
Subs: Mbanjwa, Mthethwa, Shwabule, Sibiya, Lukhubeni, Rusike, Macheke, Patjie, Matsheke
Golden Arrows: Mlungwana, Ndlovu, Dlamini, Mantshiyane, Cele, Magawana, Nxadi, Sibiya, Mmodi, Makhubela, Mutizwa
Subs: Gumede, Nkosi, Mhlongo, Khumalo, Magubane, Gumbi, Lunga, Hlatshwayo, Moon
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