Swallows FC retained their DStv Premiership status when they overcame AmaTuks by a 1-0 scoreline at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
It was enough for Swallows to finish top of the round-robin group, two points ahead of Tuks, and three ahead of Cape Town All Stars.
Before kickoff, AmaTuks sat at the summit of the mini table and a draw would have been good enough to gain promotion, while the Dube Birds had to desperately fight for maximum points to avoid relegation.
AmaTuks was the first to make a move when they intercepted a pass and had a shot on goal by Wonderboy Makhubu which was saved by Jody February in the fourth minute. Samuel Julies was next to try the goalkeeper but February gathered with ease three minutes later.
Dillan Solomons then curled in a free-kick that connected with Sipho Sibiyas head and forced Thakasani Mbanjwa to make a beautiful save in the 10th minute.
After these exchanges, both teams kept coming at each other but could not create any clear-cut chances.
Later Sibiya had another headed chance from a corner, but it went way over the bar in the 26th minute. A great chance was created by Kamohelo Mahlatsi but AmaTuks’ Mbanjwa denied Mwape Musonda when he completed a header nine minutes later.
Striker Kagiso Malinga also turned within the box but ballooned his chance over the goal in the 39th minute. Three minutes later, February made a brilliant save to stop Maqoko from scoring a header. Mahlatsi replied in quick succession with a shot outside the box but it was tipped away for a corner by Mbanjwa in the 42nd minute. Three minutes later Musonda had another chance via a half volley but Mbanjwa claimed it well to end the half.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Swallows Wandisile Letlabika had a terrible tumble after an aerial collision which delayed the game.
While Swallows were playing with 10 men AmaTuks’ Etiosa Ighodaro had a chance in the 58th minute but fluffed his lines.
But then Yagan Sasman broke the deadlock right after when he scored a half volley just outside the box three minutes later.
In the 72nd minute, Kamohelo Pheeane had a golden chance to equalise but hit the shot astray inside the box.
Tuks pushed hard but in the end Dylan Kerr’s men were able to hold out for the victory, and keep their top flight spot.
