Moroka Swallows kept their unbeaten record intact this season at the Rand Stadium when they scored a 1-0 win over disappointing Silver Stars in a scrappy Castle Premiership clash on Wednesday.
Swallows led 1-0 at half-time.
To make matter worse for the Limpopo-based Premier Soccer League club, Stars missed a penalty in the 58th minute.
Neither side seemed able to take the initiative in a disappointing opening 45 minutes. Stars started well but failed to deliver the killer punch when they found themselves with a good chance to break the deadlock.
Stars’ new signing Mark Haskins failed to take advantage of the Swallows defence when he missed the target in the 11th minute. At the other end, Stars goalkeeper Gareth Ormshaw did well to save a long-range shot from Albert Kometsi in the 14th minute.
The breakthrough for the Birds was a gem in the 40th minute. Defender Mohammed Ouseb stole on to the right wing and his inch-perfect cross was headed home by his captain Goodman Mazibuko to put the Birds in a 1-0 lead.
Swallows ‘keeper Greg Etafia did well to save successive shots from Dingane Masanabo in the 49th and 56th minutes. Then Masanabo failed to convert a penalty two minutes later.
Referee Paulo Marques awarded Stars their penalty when he adjudged Bhekithemba Ndlovu to have fouled Koketso Mmotong inside the penalty area. But Masanabo kicked the ball straight to Etafia.
Stars battled on but they struggled in front of goal. Mmotong missed a sitter in the 84th minute and two minutes later, Joel Lupahla headed against the Swallows crossbar. — Sapa