Moroka Swallows booted Manning Rangers out of the Absa Cup tournament by winning 4-2 on penalties after finishing 1-1 after extra time in a tense last-16 encounter at Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night. There was no score at the end of normal time.
The visitors’ penalties were scored by Alfred Phiri, Dennis Lota, Pitso Lekone and Innocent Chikoya. Rangers’ penalty scorers were Alton Meiring and Frank Makua while MacDonald Mukansi and Thabiso Hlalele missed the target.
The first goal of the match was netted by Cecil Oersen in the 9th minute of extra time to the delight of the large crowd of Swallows supporters.
Their joy didn’t last as Mukansi, who was introduced for Phumlani ”BMX” Mkhize at the beginning of the second half, scored an equaliser three minutes later. Mukansi registered late to play in this game because of his suspension by Fifa for to his debts to his agent which were paid by Rangers at the start of the week.
The visitors also made changes by pulling out Warren Lewis, the target man of the first half, for Daniel Matsau and Edzai Kausinayo for Samuel Ngobeni in the 50th and 63rd minutes.
However, Matsau was injured in the 88th minute and was replaced by Lekone. The home side got a good chance to score in the 59th minute when Mohammed Ouseb handled the ball just outside the penalty box which resulted in referee, Jonas Nhlapo, awarding a free kick to the Mighty Maulers. It was well taken by Mxolisi Mchunu whose shot hit the cross bar with Swallows goalkeeper, Greg Etafia, beaten hands down.
In the 65th minute Lota’s powerful shot was saved by Chad Harpur.
Harpur was replaced at the end of extra time by John Tlale who failed to save any of the penalties.
The game was a repeat of last season’s Cup final which the beautiful birds won after coming back from an early goal by Keryn Jordaan to end up winning 3-1 in Bloemfontein. – Sapa