Dididi Flying Swallows could not absorb the initial pressure from Makovha All Stars, who beat them 1-3 in their SAB League match at the Makovha grounds on Saturday.

The match was played under protest. Makovha All Stars lodged a protest with the referee at half time. They stated that the captain of Flying Birds, Mashudu Munyai, was a defaulter as he was still serving a suspension after seeing red in a previous match.

It took All Stars six minutes to open their account. Mashudu Muthabeni pulled the trigger from the left corner to beat the keeper with a half volley. As if they were spectators, the midfielders of Flying Birds watched as the opponents initiated some defence-splitting moves from the middle of the park. They conceded another goal nine minutes later. Nkateko Khosa blasted in a rocket after a scramble within the box.

Makovha continued to dictate terms as the game progressed. Their efforts were not in vain as they scored their third goal later in the first half to bring the half-time score to 3-0. The goal was scored by Tshitereke Tshibova, who headed home after a corner kick.

The captain of Flying Birds, Mashudu Munyai, was booked for a continued argument with the referee. The referee, Mr Dion Mphuma, warned Mashudu Muthabeni of All Stars with a card for ignoring the whistle. Muthabeni kicked the ball away long after the referee had blown the whistle.

Flying Birds’ solitary goal came in the 79th minute. Vhutshilo Munyai scored after the Stars’ keeper missed the ball. Realising that the opponents were starting to invade their territory, All Stars started to apply delaying tactics by holding onto the ball for too long.