Tshegofatso Mabasa's heroics propel Moroka Swallows to victory over AmaZulu

In a thrilling DStv Premiership showdown on Friday night at Dobsonville Stadium, Tshegofatso Mabasa emerged as the hero, scoring twice to lead Moroka Swallows to a 2-1 comeback win against AmaZulu FC.

This gripping encounter saw the visitors reduced to ten men and featured a flurry of cards, but it was Mabasa's brace that stole the spotlight.

Moroka Swallows fielded an unchanged line-up from their previous victory over Stellenbosch, with Gabadinho Mhango and Tshegofatso Mabasa forming a formidable attacking duo. Meanwhile, AmaZulu FC made three changes to their squad after a goalless draw against Polokwane City, introducing Mbongeni Gumede, Celimpilo Ngema, and Junior Dion into the starting line-up.

The action ignited early in the match when Gabadinho Mhango, within six minutes, attempted to break the deadlock with a fierce strike from a set piece on the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Veli Mothwa made an acrobatic save to deny him.

AmaZulu found their footing in the game midway through the first half, with Junior Dion coming close to opening the scoring as his volleyed effort narrowly missed the target, courtesy of a well-delivered cross by Abbubaker Mobara.

As the first half progressed, tensions flared, resulting in four yellow cards being brandished by the referee, with both teams involved in off-the-ball incidents. Swallows lost their focus, and on the brink of half-time, Ethan Brooks unleashed a thunderous long-range shot that eluded goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, giving AmaZulu a 1-0 lead.

The second half began with Swallows on the attack, and Tshegofatso Mabasa forced Veli Mothwa into a crucial save with a close-range effort just six minutes into the period.

However, AmaZulu's discipline faltered once more, and they were reduced to ten men shortly before the hour mark when Abbubaker Mobara received a red card for head-butting Keenan Phillips in retaliation for a challenge by Phillips.

Seizing the opportunity, Swallows gained momentum, and Tshegofatso Mabasa finally restored parity 20 minutes from time with a diving header inside the box after a pinpoint cross from Kwanda Mngonyama, levelling the score at 1-1.

Mabasa was far from finished, and four minutes later, he completed his brace, cementing his position as the league's leading goal-scorer with six goals. He capitalized on a loose ball at the near post to give Swallows a 2-1 advantage.

Steve Komphela's side continued to threaten, and Kagiso Malinga came close to sealing the victory with a curling shot that struck the post.

In a late, unexpected surge, AmaZulu nearly found an equalizer two minutes before the final whistle. Daniel Akpeyi spilled a corner-kick, presenting an opportunity to Mbongeni Gumede, whose shot was heroically cleared off the line by Phillips.

Despite the nail-biting conclusion, Swallows managed to cling to their lead and secure a hard-fought victory that propelled them to third place in the league standings. Tshegofatso Mabasa's incredible performance was the catalyst for their comeback win.

READ MORE: Mamelodi Sundowns set to rotate squad for CAF assignment