Staff Reporter.
Lamontville Golden Arrows fought back to hold Swallows FC to a 2-2 draw in a 2021/22 DStv Premiership match at the Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The draw saw Arrows remain 10th on the league standings, while struggling Swallows climbed up to 14th on the log despite dropping points at home.
The Birds had a bright start and Kamohelo Mahlatsi eventually broke the deadlock in the 21st minute with a close-range finish from a rebound after Mwape Musonda hit the post with a strike in the box.
Arrows were getting into the game and Michael Gumede had a chance to level matters five minutes later after receiving a through ball unmarked at the back post but he struck his shot over the bar.
Swallows eventually doubled their lead nine minutes before the half-time break after Musonda headed home a corner from Fawaaz Basadien at the near post and went to the halftime break with a two-goal cushion.
Lehlohonolo Seema made a double attacking change at half-time, as Lindokuhle Mtshali replaced Lungelo Dube and Knox Mutizwa came on for Nduduzo Sibiya.
The change seemed to have a desired effect for Arrows, as Gumede pulled a goal back four minutes into the second stanza with a header in the box after a cross by Mthokozisi Dube.
The visitors then exerted more pressure on Swallows defence as they searched for the equaliser and they did snatch it with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Gumede grabbed his brace to make it 2-2 as he finished off an impressive team goal that involved Lindoukhule Mtshali and Mutizwa in the build-up.
The goal ensured that the encounter ended in a 2-2 draw with Swallows left to rue letting a two-goal lead slip on home soil.
Meanwhile Stellenbosch FC ended the year on a high as they moved up to second place in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership courtesy of a 1-0 win over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
The game looked destined for a goalless draw when Given Msimango put the ball past his own goalkeeper two minutes from time to hand Stellies the victory that took them to 29 points, two clear of Orlando Pirates in third position.
The Rockets closed 2021 winless in their last three outings which left them 14th on the table, three points clear of rock-bottom Baroka FC.
Elsewhere Chippa United and Sekhukhune United played to a 0-0 draw in a 2021/22 DStv Premiership match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
Other DSTV Premiership Results:
Supersport United 3 – 2 Cape Town City.
Baroka FC 1 – 0 Royal AM.