Swallows picked up a a first win in ten games as they beat Black Leopards 1-0, while Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic drew 1-1 in Sunday’s two DStv Premiership matches.
Golden Arrows 1-1 Bloemfontein Celtic
Ten man Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a 1-1 draw at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It was a bright start from the home team, who were looking for a victory to reclaim second-place on the table.
But it was Celtic who had the first dangerous moment, as Menzi Masuku’s deflected effort needed Sifiso Mlungwana to be alert.
A minute later, after a good counter attack, Pule Mmodi had a chance for Arrows at the other end, but his effort went straight at Jackson Mabokgwane. The chances kept falling for Mmodi who had chances in the 18th and 28th minutes, but the former Uthongathi player’s efforts both went wide.
Celtic made Arrows rue those missed efforts, as Mzwanele Mahashe headed in Masuku’s corner and it gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Velemseni Ndwandwe should’ve got Arrows level in the 38th minute, but his effort from close range lacked power and Mabokgwane made a routine save. Two minutes later Knox Mutizwa went close as he ran onto a ball from Ndwandwe but his header hit the crossbar, as Arrows continued to pile on the pressure.
At halftime Mahashe’s goal gave Celtic the 1-0 lead.
A good chance fell to Lindokuhle Mtshali ten minutes into the second half, but his attempt was off target.
Victor Letsoalo went close on the other end, but his header in the 59th minute flew wide of Mlungwana’s goal. Both teams continued to create half chances, with Arrows seeking the equaliser, and Celtic looking to extend their lead.
And eventually in the 73rd minute Arrows were level, Mutizwa heading in after the ball rebounded off the crossbar from an attempt from Siphamandla Sabelo.
Arrows were reduced to ten men after Ntsako Makhubela picked up a second yellow card in the 87th minute.
Letsoalo had a chance to win it for Celtic in stoppage time, but Mlungwana did well to save at his feet.
Swallows 1-0 Black Leopards
Swallows finally picked up a win again, their first in ten league games, as they beat Leopards 1-0 at the Dobsonville Stadium.
It was Leopards with the early intent as the bottom-placed team in the league looked to rescue their season, and while they threatened Swallows’ area, time and time again the Birds’ defenders, Wandisile Letlabika in particular, were there to halt any progress.
As time wore on Swallows began to get into the game more, and while chances fell to Daniel Gozar and Musa Nyatama, their attempts flew wide of the goal.
Kgaogoetlo Sekgota had a chance on the half hour mark, but his attempt was easily saved by Jonas Mendes.
Despite numerous opportunities, it remained goalless at the break.
Gozar had the ball in the back of the net two minutes into the second half, but he scored from an off-side position, and the goal was ruled out.
Swallows took control in the second half, and the home team controlled possession and the territory as they pushed for a goal.
A goal mouth flurry in the 57th minute almost saw Vuyo Mere snatch a goal from close range, but Mendes pulled off a good save to deny the veteran defender. Two minutes later Sekgota headed wide .
Swallows were awarded a penalty moments later, as Sekgota was brought down as he ran into the box. Gozar stepped up to take the spot kick, and beat Mendes in the Leopards goal
Rodney Ramagalela shot wide in the 77th minute as Leopards looked for a way back into the game.
Leopards should have been level in the 84th minute but Sibusiso Khumalo’s first time attempt from close range flew over the goal.
Brandon Truter’s men hung on despite a late surge by the desperate visitors, and walked away with the three points.
