Swallows FC extended their unbeaten start to the DStv Premiership season to 14 matches with a 1-1 draw away to SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Birds, as was the case last week against log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, fought back from a goal down to salvage a draw, as Joseph Mhlongo’s equaliser cancelled out Lucky Mohomi’s early opener. The result sees Matsatsantsa and Swallows remain in second and third place respectively, two points off the pace set by ‘Downs.
Swallows almost claimed the lead 30 seconds after kick-off, with Kgaogelo Sekgota getting away a low shot from the left of the penalty area which would have crept in the bottom corner were it not for a fine save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
United then went ahead in the sixth minute through a fortunate goal, with Mohomi picking up a poor clearance from a set piece and shooting on goal – his effort deflected off Vuyo Mere and found the bottom corner, with Virgil Vries completely wrong-footed.
The Birds responded well to going behind, putting together several spells of intense pressure in attack, though they found United’s defence to be well organised and Williams made several good interceptions to cut out crosses and diagonals in the danger area.
Swallows should have been two goals down on 37 minutes but they were bailed out by a brilliant save from Vries, who somehow denied Thamsanqa Gabuza from close range when the striker was beautifully set-up by Sipho Mbule.
A goal down as the second half got underway, Swallows continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and, just after the hour mark, opted for a double change which saw Musa Nyatama and Kamohelo Mahlatsi introduced off the bench.
And Mahlatsi was the architect of their equaliser on 75 minutes, taking a quick free kick to exchange passes with Lebogang Mokoena before playing a perfect low cross for another substitute, Joseph Mhlongo, to score from close range and make it 1-1.
The teams traded half chances in what remained of the game, but neither was able to fully capitalise and claim all three points, allowing Sundowns to enjoy a lead which they can add to when they face Chippa United on Sunday.
SuperSport will return to DStv Premiership action when they travel to Bloemfontein Celtic on February 9, while Swallows’ next league game is at home to AmaZulu on February 14.
SuperSport United (1) 1 (Mohomi 6’)Swallows FC (0) 1 (Mhlongo 75’)
SuperSport: Williams, Phillips, Fleurs, Kekana, Ditlhokwe, Webber (Waiswa 80’), Mbule, Mohomi (Rusike 80’), Lungu (Mahachi 66’), Grobler, Gabuza
Swallows: Vries, Mere, Ngcobo, Letlabika, Matlaba, Mthethwa, Mokoena (Sait 88’), Basadien (Nyatama 63’), Sekgota (Mhlongo 71’), Mbokoma (Mahlatsi 63’), Malinga (Gozar 71’)© Backpage TXT.
SOURCED FROM THE PSL WEBSITE.
