Daniel Gozar’s goal in the 62nd minute against Black Leopards propelled Moroka Swallows to fourth place in the DStv Premiership game.
The Birds hosted Leopards at the Donsonville Stadium in match-day 22 of the DStv Premiership.
The visitors looked more dangerous and had the better side of possession but no clear cut chance in the opening minutes.
Leopards caught the Birds on the counter and created a clear path towards goal. It took the brilliance of goalkeeper Vries to make the save and deny the visitors in the 6th minute.
Swallows’ first chance came in the 13th minute as Gozar attempted to break the deadlock with a bicycle kick, but his effort landed safely in the hands of Leopards goalkeeper Mendes.
Another quick attack initiated by Gozar saw the Birds missed another golden opportunity in the 23rd minute.
Yet again, another begging chance came for the hosts in the 38th minute. This time, Mokoena set Gozar on the lose who controlled the ball with his chest before hitting hard, but bodies on the line saved Leopards from conceding what would have been a good team goal. The game went to the break with both teams failing to hit the mark.
Swallows came out firing on all cylinders in the second half as Leopards began to chase after the ball.
The Birds thought they had finally got the goal after Gozar found the net just two minutes into the second half. However, it was dismay for them as the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
It seemed to be a matter of time and Gozar finally scored from the spot in the 62nd minute after Sekgota was brought down in the area.
Leopards got up from their slumber after the goal and began to fight an equalizer.
They almost got found one in the 84th minute but ended messing it up as they fluffed their lines after a swift counter-attack that should have ended with a goal.
Swallows did enough to hold on to their 1-0 lead and closed up the gap on Golden Arrows, while having a game in hand.
It is relief for the Birds who finally return to winning ways after failing to win in their last four games, with their last three outings ending in successive draws.
Swallows will now aim to build on their win when they take on Bloemfontein Celtic next Tuesday.