Tuks, Swallows share the spoils in playoff tie

The University of Pretoria and Swallows FC played to a goalless stalemate at the Tuks Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as AmaTuks remain on top of the PSL Promotion/Relegation playoff log.

As it stands, the draw sees Tuks and the Dube Birds remain level on points (4) after two matches played. However, a slight advantage in the goal difference statistic sees the team from Pretoria occupy top spot.

AmaTuks began the tie on the front foot and were awarded a corner in the first minute of the match, while they nearly profited from a set-piece situation moments later, after a header inside the area went narrowly wide.

Ruzaigh Gamaldien came close for Swallows in the sixth minute, after receiving a pass in an inviting position inside the Tuks penalty area, however, his first-time shot was deflected wide for a corner.

With the game progressing toward the 20-minute mark, Swallows began seeing more of the ball and subsequently carved out a couple of goal-scoring opportunities while neutralising the Tuks attacks effectively.

In the 33rd minute, Thabang Sibanyoni found himself through on goal after beating the offside trap following a through ball from midfield, but the Tuks attacker’s shot whistled over the bar.

With not much action transpiring toward the end of the first 45 minutes, Tuks and Swallows headed into the break with the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0.

As the second half commenced, Swallows introduced Lehlogonolo Matlou and Kamohelo Mahlatsi as the Dube Birds immediately played with more authority in possession.

Coach Dylan Kerr’s charges continued to take the game to Tuks, with Mahlatsi making an immediate impact on the right flank. After winning a free-kick, Dillon Solomons whipped in a cross that found Kagiso Malinga, who headed just wide of the mark.

As the game reached the hour mark, Solomons came closest for his side after making a well-timed run into the box following a cross from the left wing, but was unable to make a proper connection with the ball.

In the 73rd minute, Mahlatsi was played through following a swift counter attacking move, however, the Dube Birds player took one touch too many before the AmaTuks goalkeeper collected the ball from under his feet.

With under 10 minutes to go, the University of Pretoria began infiltrating the Swallows FC defence, with the visitors struggling to deal with high balls and crosses being thrown into the penalty area.

Deep into injury time, Swallows were awarded a flurry of chances, even hitting the upright on one occasion. A pin-point cross from Solomons wreaked havoc in the Tuks box, however, Swallows were unable to capitalise.

The referee brought the game to a close as the University of Pretoria and Swallows FC shared the spoils at the Tuks Stadium.

TEAMS

AmaTuks: Mbanjwa, Maqoko, Allan, Moeketsi, Tshabalala, Msani, Chokoe (Pheeane 55’), Julies, Barns, Makhubu (Mvambi 83’), Sibanyoni (Ighodaro 83’)

Swallows: February, Solomons, Letlabika, Sait, Sasman, Wambi, Margeman (Matou 46’), Mbele (Mahlatsi 46’), Gamildien (Musonda 69’), Saleng (Makgalwa 88’), Malinga (Mhlongo 69’).