As Mamelodi Sundowns continue to compete in CAF competition their rivals for the DStv Premiership title continue to hold each other back from mounting a serious challenge. Second-placed Golden Arrows nearly stole a victory but conceded late to settle for a 1-1 draw on the road against slumping Swallows, who cannot avoid sharing points in the majority of their games lately but will be grateful to salvage something at the end.
A matchup featuring two of the league’s better defenses didn’t have too many opportunities, particularly for Arrows who only managed one shot on goal. That shot, however, gave them the lead in the 71st minute when Seth Parusnath was on hand to finish a low cross following a counter-attack. However, an equalizer in the dying seconds came from a frantic scramble in the Arrows penalty area that defender Vuyo Mere was able to finish off.
Chippa United found an opener on the road in the 28th minute but that only set up five unanswered goals from hosts Maritzburg United in their 5-1 thrashing to move further away from the relegation zone. On fire forward Thabiso Kutumela responded with two goals before halftime to bring his recent total to seven in his last eight games. Venezuelan forward Jose Meza was the star for the Team of Choice in the second-half with a goal and assist to help complete the thrashing.
In the other match Cape Town City drew 0-0 with Baroka FC in a mid-table clash. Cape Town City continue to look for their attack that provided so many goals earlier in the season as they have failed to win in their last eight competitive games. Baroka have been experiencing their own struggles but will be glad to grab a point on the road and stay in tenth place.
Highlights from all the games are below.
Swallows 1-1 Golden Arrows
Maritzburg United 5-1 Chippa United
Cape Town City 0-0 Baroka FC