Kaizer Chiefs who were reduced to 10 men played out to a 0-0 draw with Moroka Swallows in a lacklustre Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
The first half proved to be a dire affair devoid of any real quality, as Chiefs continued what happened in their shock elimination of the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup against Milford.
Dominating possession against a much-changed Swallows squad that lost their core; Keagan Allan, Andile Jali and Tsegofatso Mabasa at the half way mark of the season.
The closest to an opener was ruled out for offside as Ashley du Preez fired home a rebound when Daniel Akpeyi parried Ranga Chivaviro’s header into his path.
In the second half, Chiefs came out with more purpose and eager to move the ball faster, something that’s been lacking in recent matches.
But it was shortlived as a defensive lapse of concentration saw Gabadinho Mhango run clean through on goal, to which Dove Edmilson fouled him and received a straight red two minutes into the half.
Ten minutes later the game was halted due to rain and lightning, which saw both players leave the pitch for an hour.
Chiefs had their moments, but that’s all it was, as Swallows attacked with more vigour and purpose after their return to the pitch.
And had it not been for a point black range save from Bruce Bvuma in the final minute of the game, they wouldn’t have shared the spoils on the evening.
It proved another frustrating evening for Amakhosi, as they failed to close in on second place, and now failed to score against Royal AM, Milford and Swallows since their return to football after the Africa Cup of Nations break.
Chiefs remain in sixth place five points off second placed Cape Town City and 16 off leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have two games in hand.
Meanwhile, Musa Nyatama’s Swallows are in 13th place, six points off the relegation-promotion playoff spot occupied by Richards Bay.
