Moroka Swallows won their first game of the season after defeating Sekhukhune United 2-1 with a controversial late goal on Wednesday evening.
Swallows made only one enforced change following their narrow defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-finals, as Lantshene Phalane returned in place of the suspended Andile Jali.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, made three changes from a humiliating defeat against Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 quarter-finals, as Vusimuzi Mncube returned from suspension alongside Tshepo Rikhotso and Pogiso Mahlangu.
The Birds had a perfect start after Lindokuhle Mtshali gave them the lead on 16 minutes with a tap-in in the six-yard box after a cross by Kagiso Malinga following mistake at the back by United.
However, Babina Noko found their way back in the game four minutes before the half-hour mark as Chibuike Ohizu guided a cross by Jamie Webber home from close range.
The game continued to open up towards the interval, with both sides threatening from decent long range efforts, as they went to the half-time break level pegging.
Brandon Truter's charges looked more threatening early in the second stanza and to match them going forward, Komphela withdrew Phalana and brought on youngster Daweron van Rhyn.
However, instead chances dried up for the sides but with 20 odd minutes to go, Sekhukhune remained attack minded, as they brought on Kgomotso Mosadi in place of Elias Mokwana.
The Birds were also alive to the possibility of stealing maximum points in the last 15 minutes, as Gabadinho Mhango replaced Maliga for fresh legs up top.
Babina Noko were more threatening in the dying minutes and had a penalty claim turned down, as Swallows defended desperately.
However, a howler by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, who went inside the his own goal carrying a ball in stoppage time following pressure from Mhango, handed the Birds all the three points.
The win took Steve Komphela's men up to sixth on the table while Babina Noko dropped down to eighth on the standings.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United Sangare, Mobbie, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Rikhotso, Mokotjo, Mokwana, Webber, Ohizu, Mahlangu, Mncube
Subs: Leaner, Mkhabela, Tshibwabwa, Mtshali, Mkhize, Bwalya, Masiya, Mosadi, Morris
Moroka Swallows: Akpeyi, Sibiya, Sam, Phillips, Allan, Phalane, Makhubela Mthethwa, Mtshali, Mabasa, Malinga
Subs: Mbanjwa, Mhango, Rampa, Wambi, Patjie, Zuma, Sibiya, Tshanini, Van Rhyn
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