Swallows get the points

Though Stars enjoyed possession and created most of the early chances, it was Swallows who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when midfielder Shaun Haschick beat Stars goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini with a thunderous close-range shot after he was set-up by Lungisani Ndlela and Lefa Tsutsulupa from a throw in by Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

Stars looked impressive on the attack with Stanley Kgatla, Joseph Malongoane and Tshepo Ramokala causing problems for the opposition while Swallows had the likes of Haschick, Keegan Ritchie and Lefa Tsutsulupa initiating most of the forays into the danger area.

It was also an impressive display by Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela who continues to make a strong case for himself in the Bafana Bafana squad with 2010 World Cup just a few months ago.

It got worse for Stars as they had to play the remaining three minutes of the first half and referee’s optional time with 10-men when Ramokala was stretched off the pitch with what looked like a serious injury and they had already made all their substitutions.

In the 58th minute, Stars' defence were nearly punished when they allowed a free-kick to land on the path of Phumelele Bhengu inside the box but the South African junior international could not find the target.

Stars came close to the equaliser in the dying minutes but Kagiso Senamela's long-range shot was saved by Etafia who improved from his early mistakes as the game progressed.