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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows are still not out of the promotion-relegation play offs scrap. This was after the Birds were held to a one all draw by Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership clash played at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.
Both goals were scored from the penalty spots in the second half with Swallows scoring through Siyabonga Nomvethe and Wits replied through Thando Mngomeni.
If Swallows won against Wits they could have been on the safe side after Vasco Da Gama lost against SuperSport United, and the result now means Swallows are still in 14th position with 29 points, two ahead of Vasco Da Gama who are 15th on the log.
Swallows played their hearts out from the start to finish and deserved to win. They went into this game with a clear intention to collect all three points on offer.
However, Wits also gave Swallows a tough time. They played a defensive game and it was difficult for Gordon Ingesund’s charges to penetrate them.
Once more, Lefa Tsutsulupa underlined his class with commendable performance. The Swallows’ skipper showed tenacity in the middle of the park.
Cisse Cheika could have opened the scoring for his side in the 14th minute, but after receiving an inviting cross from Koketso Mmotong, the tall striker did well to chest trap the ball inside the Wits’ danger area, but his attempt was well blocked by Derrick Spencer.
Mesmeric runs by the nifty Sifiso Myeni on the left flank caused Swallows’ defence considerable concern. At one stage he zoomed past Vuyo Mere and dashed out with a vicious drive which brought the best out of their keeper Greg Etafia.
Swallows also looked dangerous on a few raids and had Wits’ rearguard reeling as they piled on the pressure. The half time score was 0-0.
Swallows might have thought they finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, but to their disappointment, Macbeth Sibaya’s goal was ruled offside by the referee.
However, their efforts were rewarded when Tefu Mashamaite was adjudged to have fouled Koketso Mmotong inside the Wits’ danger area. At first, the referee waved play on, but after consulting with his assistant, the middle man pointed to the spot kick.
From that resulatant spot kick, Siyabonga Nomvethe sent the keeper the wrong way to put Swallows in the driving seat in the 68th minute.
Wits didn’t stop fighting, and they were finally rewarded when Auguston Leonard conceded a penalty after he fouled Litsie Koapeng. Thando Mngomeni stepped forward to level matters for his team in the 90th minute.
Both goals were scored from the penalty spots in the second half with Swallows scoring through Siyabonga Nomvethe and Wits replied through Thando Mngomeni.
If Swallows won against Wits they could have been on the safe side after Vasco Da Gama lost against SuperSport United, and the result now means Swallows are still in 14th position with 29 points, two ahead of Vasco Da Gama who are 15th on the log.
Swallows played their hearts out from the start to finish and deserved to win. They went into this game with a clear intention to collect all three points on offer.
However, Wits also gave Swallows a tough time. They played a defensive game and it was difficult for Gordon Ingesund’s charges to penetrate them.
Once more, Lefa Tsutsulupa underlined his class with commendable performance. The Swallows’ skipper showed tenacity in the middle of the park.
Cisse Cheika could have opened the scoring for his side in the 14th minute, but after receiving an inviting cross from Koketso Mmotong, the tall striker did well to chest trap the ball inside the Wits’ danger area, but his attempt was well blocked by Derrick Spencer.
Mesmeric runs by the nifty Sifiso Myeni on the left flank caused Swallows’ defence considerable concern. At one stage he zoomed past Vuyo Mere and dashed out with a vicious drive which brought the best out of their keeper Greg Etafia.
Swallows also looked dangerous on a few raids and had Wits’ rearguard reeling as they piled on the pressure. The half time score was 0-0.
Swallows might have thought they finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, but to their disappointment, Macbeth Sibaya’s goal was ruled offside by the referee.
However, their efforts were rewarded when Tefu Mashamaite was adjudged to have fouled Koketso Mmotong inside the Wits’ danger area. At first, the referee waved play on, but after consulting with his assistant, the middle man pointed to the spot kick.
From that resulatant spot kick, Siyabonga Nomvethe sent the keeper the wrong way to put Swallows in the driving seat in the 68th minute.
Wits didn’t stop fighting, and they were finally rewarded when Auguston Leonard conceded a penalty after he fouled Litsie Koapeng. Thando Mngomeni stepped forward to level matters for his team in the 90th minute.
