Moroka Swallows fought back to hold Mamelodi Swallows to a 2-2 draw in a DStv Premiership encounter played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Monday night.
Despite picking up an important point, the Dube Birds remained 14th in the league standings, but they are now nine points clear of the relegation zone. Swallows are set to travel to Mpumalanga to take on TS Galaxy in a league clash on 28 April.
Masandawana, on the other hand, are now 14 points clear at the top of the standings and they also have a game in hand. Coach Rhulani Mokwena’s side will now travel to Tunisia to face Esperance de Tunis in the Caf Champions League on 20 April.
Although Masandawana controlled the match from the first minute, the Dube Birds had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 12th minute. Frank Mhango’s smart free-kick found Roland Sanou who could not keep his attempt on target with only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ to beat.
The visitors came close to scoring in the 21st minute when Peter Shalulile’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Ntsikelelo Nyauza from close range. However, Masandawana deservedly took the lead in the 39th minute when Teboho Mokoena scored with a thunderous long-range shot and Sundowns were 1-0 up at halftime.
The Dube Birds got off to a promising start with their best chances falling for Augustine Mahlonoko who was denied by Williams just after the restart. However, the hosts conceded again in the 51st minute when Marcelo Allende hit the back of the net with a deflected strike to make it 2-0 to Sundowns.
Coach Musa Nyatama’s side then pushed forward in numbers and they pulled one back to make it 2-1 in the 57th minute when Mahlonoko netted after Williams had parried the ball into his path. Swallows then snatched a late equalising goal in the 84th minute when Mhango netted to ensure that the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Swallows (0) 2 (Mahlonoko 57′, Mhango 84′)
Sundowns (1) 2 (Mokoena 39′, Allende 51′)
Swallows: Akpeyi, Mphahlele, Ngqonga, Mngonyama, Nyauza, Sanou, Phalane (Mthethwa 68′), Everson, Mahlonoko (Khumalo 77′), Mtshali, Mhango.
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Lunga, Mvala, Mokoena (Mbule 43′), Aubaas, Allende (Maema 62′), Lorch (Matthews 82′), Ribeiro (Morena 62′), Shalulile (Mabena 82′).
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