SuperSport United missed the chance to move second on the DStv Premiership table after playing to a goalless draw against Swallows FC.
DStv Premiership
Result: Swallows FC 0-0 SuperSport United
Date: 28 January 2023
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Swallows gave Evans Rusike his debut against his former side while SuperSport were boosted by the return of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, alongside recalls for Aubrey Ngoma and Thamsanqa Gabuza.
Matsatsantsa's new signing, meanwhile, Senegalese striker Serigne Niang was named on the bench.
Gavin Hunt's charges were forceful early on as Ngoma almost gave them a flying start with a thunderous shot from range that crashed against the woodwork.
As the intensity of the game settled towards the half-hour mark, Bradley Grobler had a big chance for United with a header that was kept out by goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa from a cross by Ngoma.
Ernst Middendorp's troops improved in the latter phase of the first stanza, as they put SuperSport under pressure but they lacked the killer instinct in and around the box, as the sides went to the half-time break without goals.
Matsatsantsa started the second stanza on a high note and Grobler came very close to breaking the deadlock ten minutes in with a low powerful shot from a set-piece routine on the edge of the box that brought the best out of Mbanjwa.
Swallows scrambled to find their rhythm, as they played second fiddle to United after the hour-mark but the visitors were not taking their chances in the last third.
In search of a change of fortunes upfront, Hunt brought fresh legs in the strikers positions in the last quarter of an hour, as Niang got his debut alongside Thabang Sibanyoni, as Grobler and Gabuza were withdrawn.
United had the momentum in the closing stages, as the Birds defended in numbers and with no much creativity, the visitors could not carve out chances, as the game ended all square.
SuperSport remain in third place on the log, allowing Richards Bay to open the gap on Sunday afternoon while Swallows were stuck in 15th spot.
Here's how they lined up:
Swallows: 31. Mbanjwa, 32. Lukhubeni, 2. Sibiya, 4. Allan, 28. Sasman, 43. Zulu, 6. Mthethwa, 7. Mtshali, 6. Malinga, 47. Wambi, 19. Rusike
Subs: 50. Tshabalala, 3. Isaacs, 23. Shwabule, 34. Sait, 20. Musonda, 25. Patjie, 44. Mngonyama, 39. Matsheke.
SuperSport United: 20. Goss, 6. Ditlhokwe, 25. Fleurs, 23. Margeman, 11. Ngoma, 15. Ndlovu, 17. Lungu, 43. Rapoo, 37. Johannes, 13. Gabuza, Grobler
Subs: 1. Chigova, 28. Maswanganyi, 4. Kewuti, 40. Maseko, 9. Rayners, 18. Nhlapo, 12. Webber, 24. Sibanyoni, 29. Niang
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