The Betway Premiership Bloemfontein derby between Marumo Gallants and Siwelele FC ended in a goalless stalemate at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result sees Bahlabane ba Ntwa extend their winless run in the league to five matches, as they remain in 14th place on the log – one point above Orbit College in the relegation playoff zone.
As for Siwelele, this is a third league match without a win, as they remained in 10th place on the standings – five points off the pace of the top eight.
Siwelele were the first to properly threaten a goal, with Bohlale Ngwato firing a left-footed shot on target in the 16th minute, but Gallants goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo made a fine save to turn the effort away for a corner kick.
Gallants then had a series of chances from the half-hour mark through to halftime, with the likes of Ibrahim Bance, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Sibusiso Ncube and Katlego Otladisa all failing to hit the target – leaving the game goalless at the interval.
The hosts made a double change at the start of the second half, with Bheki Mabuza and Jaisen Clifford replacing Bance and Matthew Marou, while the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Thato Letshedi was shown a straight red card.
With a numerical disadvantage, Siwelele went into defensive mode and looked to secure a draw, playing deep in their half and denying Bahlabane ba Ntwa any space in behind the defence.
Gallants knocked at the door throughout the remainder of the game, even shuffling their attacking options by introducing the likes of Monde Mphambaniso and Thapelo Dhludhlu off the bench, but they were unable to find a way to break the deadlock.
The teams will return to Premiership action next weekend, with Siwelele away to Golden Arrows on Friday 24 April, while Gallants will be away to Sekhukhune United the following day.
Marumo Gallants 0
Siwelele FC 0
GALLANTS: Mlambo, Ncube, Rikhotso, Nhlapo, Mabotja, Manaka, Marou (Clifford 46’), Sithole, Bance (Mabuza 46’), Ndlondlo (Mphambaniso 58’), Otladisa (Dhludhlu 70’)
SIWELELE: Goss, Mobbie, Mfolozi, Ndebele (Sanoka 87’), Rapoo, Letshedi, Margeman, Ngwato (Lekay 81’), Lungu, Saile, Mazibuko (Moralo 60’)