Staff Reporter.
Swallows FC held 2020-21 DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 0-0 draw at Dobsonville Stadium.
The draw, Swallows’ 19 from 28 league matches this term, was a fair reflection of a game in which overall neither side was able to conjure up much in front of the opposition goal.
The result moved Sundowns up to 61 points for the season while Swallows remained in fifth place on 43 points. Both teams have still only lost once this season with two rounds of fixtures remaining.
Musa Nyatama registered the only shot on target in the first-half with eight minutes on the clock. The midfielder, who scored a dramatic late equaliser in the reverse fixture, was allowed to shoot, but Reyaad Pieterse was well positioned to make an easy save.
The second half at least proved to be more entertaining as the Pretoria side enjoyed more openings in front of goal.
Sundowns were forced into an early change with Themba Zwane having to make his way from the field five minutes into the second half after picking up an injury.
The Brazilians had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 72nd minute. Sibusiso Vilakazi sent Peter Shalulile through on goal and the Namibia international looked sure to score, but a timely challenge from Junaid Sait rushed the striker who duly skied his effort over the crossbar.
This sparked the hosts into life and four minutes later Kagiso Malinga almost had the desired impact off the bench. S’fiso Hlanti found the forward with a pin-point cross but Malinga could only succeed in directing his header attempt onto the woodwork from close range.
The Birds had a couple of half chances late on as they found another gear, although they also endured a couple of anxious moments in their own box before the full time whistle sounded.