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Moroka Swallows 1-0 Royal AM: Wambi comes off the bench to win it for hosts
The PSL debutants had hoped to get their first point in PSL but a concentration lapse allowed their opponents to win in added time
Strydom Wambi came off the bench to break the resilient Royal AM and hand Moroka Swallows a 1-0 win at Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.
In the early exchanges, both teams looked unsettled with neither managing to get a real chance. Eventually, the hosts, finally, managed to get their first attempt in the 11th minute.
A long ball in the danger zone was not cleared and the ball fell to Ruzaigh Gamildien who could not keep his shot down despite being in a good area, under no pressure.
The attacker, once again, had another opportunity to find the back of the net in the 17th minute. Lebohang Mokoena played in a good cross into the danger zone, Khethukuthula Ndlovu headed the ball to the 32-year-old who missed the target from 10-yards.
As the game wore on, the debutants struggled to match their opponents and they spent most of the time in their own half and relying on counter-attacks.
Swallows were camped in the visitor's half but they rarely troubled the goalkeeper owing to good defending by the back four. For the entire first 45 minutes, only two off-target attempts were made.
Even after the break, the job was being done in the middle of the pitch with no team getting it easy in the final third. The visitors defended well, clearing any danger that was coming their way.
With 10 minutes to go, Swallows created a chance through Gamildien, once again. He cut in from the right before unleashing a fierce strike that narrowly missed the top corner with the custodian well beaten.
In the 84th minute, Royal conceded a free-kick just outside the danger zone. It was put into the area and Zephaniah Mbokoma headed it on target, but it was too weak to beat Sipho Chaine in goal.
Another attempt, which was off target, came in the 86th minute from the free kick taken by Matlala Makgalwa.
When Swallows had given up hope of getting a goal, things changed in the second minute of additional time. Makgalwa received the ball on the right, brought in a cross which was headed in by substitute Wambi.
Swallows FC: Virgil Vries, Musa Nyatama, Junaid Sait, Wandisile Letlabika, Lehlogonolo Matlou, Khethukuthula Ndlovu, Lebohang Mokoena, Dillan Solomons, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Sasman Yagan, Thabo Matlaba.
Subs: Jody February, Sipho Sibiya, Vuyo Mere, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Zephaniah Mbokoma, Givemore Khupe, Matlala Makgalwa, Strydom Wambi, Monnapule Saleng
Royal AM XI: Sipho Chaine, Sello Jorry Matjila, Tshepo Rikkhotso, Thato Lingwati, Lucky Given Baloyi, Kamogelo Mashikinya, Lantshene Phalane, Menzi Masuku, Kabelo Mahlasela, Ndumiso Mabena, Elias Pelembe.
Subs: Patrick Nyame, Mokone Mereko, Moffat Mdluli, Harris Brandt Tchilimbou, Reagan Van Der Ross, Zukile Mkhize, Levy Mashiane, Tshepo Malope, Samuel Manganyi
