Swallows cruise into semis

Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows dominated their quarter-final MTN8 match against AmaZulu on Sunday, coasting into the cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Both sides started their 2012/13 campaigns in search of their maiden title in the Top Eight competition, but after repeated surges in the first period, AmaZulu faded as they were outplayed by last season's most improved Premiership side.

Lerato Chabangu found the opener in the 33rd minute with a stunning left-footed volley to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

AmaZulu, who created plenty of chances, but were wayward with their efforts, they came agonisingly close to shutting the gap during first-half extra time.

Kagiso Senamela took a thunderous free kick from outside the area, but he struck the crossbar as the Birds took the advantage into the break.

While the visitors had put up a fight in the opening stanza, they struggled to mount a challenge in the last 45 minutes.

Ashraf Hendricks nearly put Swallows further ahead shortly before the hour mark but his header was tipped over the post by an outstretched AmaZulu goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini.

However, they found another breakthrough five minutes later when Chabangu found Siyabonga Nomvethe in the box and the veteran striker headed home at the near post to secure the win.

Marc van Heerden almost netted a consolation goal with three minutes left, but his free kick bounced off the right post, and seconds later Bennett Chenene came close to scoring Swallows' third, but his effort also hit the upright.

South African MTN8 quarter-final results this weekend:

Sunday:

Mamelodi Sundowns 4 (Sangweni 7, Langerman 12, Mokoena 24, Manqele 37) Kaizer Chiefs 1 (Letsholonyane 76)

Moroka Swallows 2 (Chabangu 33, Nomvethe 63) AmaZulu 0

Saturday:

SuperSport Utd 2 (Paulse 27, Cale 55) Free State Stars 1 (Mashaba 64)

Friday:

Orlando Pirates (holders) 1 (Jali 82-pen) Bloemfontein Celtic 0