CAF Confederation Cup
Result: Mbabane Swallows 4-2 Platinum Stars
Date: 23 May 2017
Venue: National Stadium
Swaziland's Mbabane Swallows proved too strong for Platinum Stars, as they romped to a 4-2 win in a CAF Confederation Cup group B encounter at the National Stadium.
Swallows threatened early on and broke the deadlock after just four minutes when Wilson Ndzinisa sprung the offside trap and slotted past Steven Hoffman.
The host doubled their lead two minutes later when Ndzinisa sneaked in at the near post and headed past a helpless Hoffman.
After a shaky start, Dikwena started seeing a bit of the ball after 15 minutes and they were eventually awarded a penalty after 19 minutes.
Benson Shilongo, who won the penalty for Stars, stepped up and converted the spot-kick to reduce the deficit.
Swallows went close to restoring their two-goal advantage in the 33rd minute but Ndzinisa's header crashed off the upright.
Dikwena were awarded another penalty on the stroke of halftime when a Swallows defender was adjudged to have handled in the box. Abia Nale stepped up but had his spot-kick saved.
The score remained 2-1 to the home side at the halftime break.
Shilongo went close to pulling Stars level 10 minutes into the second half but striker's close range effort was palmed away by the Swallows goalkeeper.
However, it was Swallows who got the next goal as Ndzinisa completed his hat-trick with a low effort from 12-yards out, 3-1.
Cavin Johnson responded by introducing Neo Links for Thuto Mphahlele in the 67th minute as they looked for a way back into the clash.
Ndzinisa and Swallows were not done there, as the striker raced through on goal and rifled the ball into the far corner, 4-1.
Things went from bad to worse for Stars in the 83rd minute when defender Gift Sithole was shown a straight red card for a late challenge.
Stars were awarded their third penalty in the 89th minute when Robert Ng'ambi was brought down. Shilongo stepped up and scored the penalty but it proved too late as Swallows held on for the 4-2 win.
Here's how they lined up:
Stars: Hoffman, Mphahlele (Links 67'), Mlilo, Sithole, Mnguni, Mathe, Nale, Mere, Ng'ambi , Shilongo, Mabena.
