Manqele goal sends Birds through

Football | Telkom Knockout

 

 

A first half goal by Edward Manqele was enough to put Moroka Swallows into the next round of the Telkom Knockout at the expense of University of Pretoria.
Zeca Marques’ team made the most of their chance in a tight cup game that had very few genuine goal scoring chances at the Dobsonville Stadium.
The opening ten minutes of the match were not very inspiring as both sides gave possession away far too often and neither side could get into their rhythm.

But once it settled down, AmaTuks striker Atusaye Nyondo went close after 19 minutes, but he could not keep his effort from going past the upright. A few moments later, Uganda striker Geoffrey Massa saw his effort fly over the crossbar.
Then, after 25 minutes, Swallows took the lead when Giorgi Nergadze found Edward Manqele, who turned inside the 18 area and shot at goal to beat Washington Arubi.
Thabo Mosadi came close with ten minutes to go to halftime, but Birds goalkeeper Greg Etafia showed all his experience to punch away the danger and keep his side in the lead.
Then Buhle Mkhwanazi earned himself a yellow card in the closing stages of the opening half, but Lerato Chabangu was fortunate to get away with a card too for retaliation in a heated moment with Mkhwanazi.
In the opening ten minutes of the second half, Swallows kept the ball very well and made AmaTuks work hard for possession. Manqele had the first real chance of the half, in the 55th minute, but Washington Arubi saves easily.
As the half wore on, the tackles became more and more ferocious as both sides looked to take a hold on the game. Khethukuhle Zwane and Chanangu were both booked in quick succession.
After 68 minutes Geoffrey Massa had a chance at the far post, but he could not keep his header down.
The closing stages of the second half saw many strong tackles being made and a lot of fight from both sets of players, but with very few genuine scoring chances in the game it was The Birds who held on for the victory.