Chippa United and ten-man Moroka Swallows FC could not be separated as both sides played to a 2-2 draw on Saturday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
The Dube Birds showed their intent in search of a goal early on. They recorded their first attempt on goal in the 4th minute after Federic Nsabiyumva’s header went narrowly wide following a cross from Nyiko Mobbie.
In the space of two minutes, Swallow took a major stronghold of the game and hit Chippa United twice. Kgaogelo Sekgota scored in the 9th minute and Gamaldien added a quick-fore second barely less than a minute after to give the visitors a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes. It was the 11th goal of the season for the forward.
Peter Maloisane came close to pulling one back for Chippa in the 15th minute but his header went over the post.
While Swallows dominated the first half, it was a different story in the second period. Shortly after the break, Peter Maloisane was fouled in the box and Anthony Laffor converted from the spot to make it 2-1 in the 49th minute.
The Chilli boys came close to getting their equalizer in the 54th minute but this time Federic failed to connect with Mohkhele Maloisane’s corner.
The equalizer for Chippa United came eventually in the 60th minute Augustine Chidi reacted quickest from Sizwe Mdlinzo’s ball which hit the post and went back into play. The Nigerian had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes, having come off the bench in the 48th minute.
If that wasn’t enough for Swallows, they were forced to finish the game with 10 men. Goal-scorer Gamildien soon became the villain. The forward got a straight red card in the 64th minute, leaving the game open for Chippa united to grab that much needed three points. It is a further blow for the Dube Birds, with that star striker now set to miss at least two league games.
Chances appeared for both sides but the game ended a stalemate. The result leaves Chippa United 13th on the league table while Swallows are fifth on the log and missed out on a chance to go one point behind fourth-place Orlando Pirates.
Yet another stalemate sees both sides continue their woeful form. Chippa United and Swallows are without a win in their last five league games.
For their next outings, Chippa United will travel to take on Maritzburg United while Swallows will welcome second-place Golden Arrows to the Dobsonville stadium.