Swallows have suffered a huge setback in the DStv Premiership promotion/relegation playoffs after losing to Cape Town All Stars.
The match took place at the Dannie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch and All Stars had an early chance to open the score but Thabo Makhele sent a header from inside the five-yard box following a corner over the bar.
All Stars’ goalkeeper Kyle Peters was called into action in the 12th minute when he parried a long-range effort from Lehlogonolo Matlou.
Peters was once again called into action in the 20th minute, pushing away a dangerous attempt by Dillon Solomons.
In the 32nd minute, Peters was again called into action, keeping out Kagiso Malinga’s header following an inch-perfect cross by Monnapule Saleng.
Even though Swallows looked the more dominant side, the game remained goalless before the break.
Peters wasn’t immediately called back into action after half-time but once again stepped up to the task, following a shot by Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
In the 52nd minute, Jody February made his first real save of the game, parrying a header from close range by Lesvib Stoffels.
Mwape Musonda then headed the ball just over the All Stars goal in what seemed to be the opener for the visitors.
However, Swallows’ dominance was eventually rewarded as a long-distance strike by Grant Margeman left Peters second-best for a first time in the match in the 63rd minute.
Musonda had a chance to extend Swallows lead in the 84th minute but Peters was once again in the right place.
Swallows threw their lead away in the 88th minute when Wandisile Letlabika lost the ball as he wanted to carry it out of the defense before Ronaldo Maarman scored with a screamer.
Letlabika made things worse for his side when he stopped an All Stars attack in the 91st minute with his hand, with Mdabuka converting from the spot to hand All Stars their first win in the playoffs.
The loss sees Swallows remain behind AmaTuks on the playoff log, with just four points and they now need to beat Tuks in their final playoff encounter, while the Dube Birds will stay in the DStv Premiership with at least a draw on Wednesday, 15 June.
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