Tuks, Birds fire blanks
JOHANNESBURG – The University of Pretoria and Swallows FC played to a stalemate at the Tuks Stadium yesterday, 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.