Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs failed to boost their CAF Champions League hopes following a 2-1 defeat to Swallows FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday afternoon.
The win saw Swallows climb up to the eighth spot on the league standings and they are set to take on Royal AM away on 13 May in another DStv Premiership clash.
Chiefs, on the other hand, remained fourth in the standings and they will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Orlando Pirates in a Nedbank Cup semifinal match on Saturday.
It took just seven minutes for Gregory Damons to score from the rebound after his initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune – making it 1-0 to Swallows.
Chiefs responded by applying pressure on Amaswaswai and they leveled matters in the 23rd minute when Mduduzi Shabalala’s top-notch free-kick was turned home by Christian Saile to make it 1-1.
However, Chiefs lost concentration when defending a free-kick in the 33rd minute and Orlando Pirates loanee Bongani Sam netted from close range to restore the visitors’ lead, with Swallows 2-1 up at the interval.
The momentum was with Amakhosi after the restart and their former goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was forced to produce two saves within the opening six minutes of the second half – denying Saile and Siyabonga Ngezana.
Akpeyi was determined not to concede again as the Nigeria international denied Ashley du Preez twice in the 57th minute and 72nd minutes – frustrating the Glamour Boys in the process.
Swalows then stood firm in the latter stages of the encounter and, ultimately, the game ended in a 2-1 victory in favour of Swallows who retained their status in the PSL for another campaign.