Result: Swallows 0-0 AmaZulu
Date: 14 February 2021
Venue: Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium
Swallows FC played to their fourth successive draw in the DStv Premiership with a 0-0 stalemate against AmaZulu FC on Sunday afternoon.
Zukile Kewuti made his Usuthu debut after securing a loan move from Cape Town City, while Butholezwe Ncube, Siyethemba Sithebe, Andre de Jong were missing due to injury.
Thela Ngobeni retained his position in the Swallows goal after an impressive outing in the Nedbank Cup and Given Thibedi returned after recovering from a knock.
AmaZulu had the first chance of the game in the opening minute when Ngobeni was called into action to deny Lehlohonolo Majoro a goal.
Swallows responded in the fourth minute with their first opportunity of the match when Kamohelo Mahlatsi unleashed a long-range drive but it was straight down the throat of Usuthu shot-stopper Veli Mothwa.
In the 22nd minute, Birds skipper Lebohang Mokoena's header from the centre of the box was high and wide to the right after he got on the end of a cross from Kgaogelo Sekgota.
The game was being largely contested in midfield with clear-cut opportunities few and far between. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Xola Mlambo whipped in a dangerous ball to the back post for Majoro, who was ready to pounce but Ngobeni intervened.
In the 35th minute, Majoro's effort sailed over the bar after he was fed in by Luvuyo Memela. Minutes later, Matlaba then had a chance to have a shot on goal but it did not have enough power to really test Mothwa.
Usuthu mentor Benni McCarthy brought on Samkelo Mgwazela and Siphelele Magubane for Thembela Sikhakhane and Mlambo respectively.
It was a very scrappy second half, with plenty of niggly fouls committed and goalmouth action a rarity. Tlakusani Mthethwa's long-range effort was another effort in the match that went into the stands in the 71st minute.
The visiting side suffered a blow when Mulenga was replaced due to injury by Sphesihle Maduna in the closing stages.
And in the end, the sides would have to settle for a point apiece in a rather dour goalless draw in the end as Swallows extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches this season.
Swallows: 17. Ngobeni, 8. Mere, 4. Ngcobo, 5. Letlabika, 27. Matlaba, 9. Mokoena, 6. Mthethwa, 14. Thibedi, 28. Ssekgota, 3. Mahlatsi, 12. Gamildien.
Subs: 50. Tshabalala, 24. Basadien, 26. Malinga, 15. Nyatama, 4. Sibiya, 11. Mbokoma, 22. Hlanti, 25, Mhlongo, 34. Sait.
AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 5. Sikhakhane, 29. Mabiliso, 17. Gumede, 27. Xoki, 6. Makhaula, 46. Kewuti, 23. Mlambo, 20. Majoro, 23. Memela, 30. Mulenga.
Subs: 28. Mbatha, 24. Masilela, 25. Mzava, 39. Mgwazela, 19. Chawapihwa, 11. Magubane, 34. Maduna, 7. Ntuli, 9. Mthembu.
