The story continues to repeat itself, but Swallows just cannot separate themselves from their competition in recent games, sharing the points for the sixth time in their last seven games following a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United. Tuesday’s result does not do too much for either side, keeping both in the top-6 in the DStv Premiership table but vulnerable to emerging threats below. In Tuesday’s earlier game Maritzburg United continued a steady climb out of relegation danger, winning 1-0 on the road against Stellenbosch FC to move within a point of their opponents in 12th place.
Chances were few and far between in the draw between Swallows and SuperSport United, but each team converted their lone shot on goal to end all square. An intricate buildup right before halftime resulted in an excellent right-flank cross from Lebohang Mokoena that was headed home by Fawaaz Basadien. However, despite a sluggish attack, SuperSport found their equalizer in the 78th minute courtesy of Sipho Mbule. Keenan Phillips’ excellent work on the right side led to another headed goal, this time from the visitors.
The talk from Maritzburg’s win earlier in the day revolved around a controversial penalty awarded to The Team of Choice late on. Clinical forward Thabiso Kutumela converted his spot-kick attempt in the second minute of stoppage time to clinch a dramatic late victory for Maritzburg and deny Stellenbosch a good opportunity to obtain valuable points. The hosts had many opportunities, particularly in the first half, but will look back on Tuesday’s loss as a key reason why they are not out of the relegation discussion quite yet.
Independent Online has match reports in the links below for both of Tuesday’s games and highlights are also below.
Swallows 1-1 SuperSport United
Stellenbosch FC 0-1 Maritzburg United