Swallows FC held AmaTuks to an exciting 0-0 draw at the Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
This Gauteng derby was the third round robin match of the relegation/promotion playoff, with both sides coming into this fixture having beaten Cape Town All Stars.
The game started like a house on fire when Amatuks created the first chance through a Thabang Sibanyoni header in the second minute. Four minutes later, Monnapule Saleng crossed and a deflected shot by Ruzaigh Gamildien nearly ended up in the back of the net.
As the game elapsed, both teams seemed to be cancelling each other out. Sibanyoni then out of nowhere produced a volley from a second ball that went wide of the goal in the 24th minute.
Sibanyoni was once again at the end of a wonderful Sanele Barns pass but lifted it over the bar in the 33rd minute. Wonderboy Makhubu lashed a shot towards goal nine minutes later but it strayed off target.
The second half started off tentative with chances few and far between. All of a sudden after continued pressure by the Dube Birds, Saleng chipped a pass into the box but it was scuffed by full-back Dillan Solomons and collected by Tuks goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa in the 59th minute.
Five minutes later, Kamohelo Mahlatsi pinged in a beautiful cross that was headed straight into the hands of Mbanjwa by striker Kagiso Malinga.
Sibanyoni rose above the defenders to head a chance on goal but it was easily caught by Jody February in the 72nd minute. A minute later Mahlatsi had a chance, with only the goalkeeper to beat but it was gobbled up by Mbanjwa.
Kamohele Pheena then had a volleyed effort ballooned after the crossbar in the 75th minute. Swallows almost scored the winner in the extra-time but an attempt by Keletso Makgalwa only hit the post.
This draw draw puts both teams on four points, while Cape Town All Stars have lost both of their opening matches.
Next game of the relegation/promotion playoffs will be at the Tuks Stadium between Igugu lekapa and AmaTuks next Wednesday at 3pm.
