Kaizer Chiefs and Swallows FC played out a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The result sees the Amakhosi placed 10th on the log and two points outside of the top eight after a fourth straight winless match, while the Birds stay fifth – missing out on a chance to jump into the top three. It was also a fifth straight 1-1 result for Swallows, who have equalled the most draws (17) in a single PSL season – joining SuperSport United, Free State Stars and Santos in the record books.

Swallows claimed the lead just eight minutes into the game, with Kagiso Malinga providing a superb volleyed finish from Sifiso Hlanti’s cross from the left flank. The goal arrived from the visiting team’s first real foray forward.

Chiefs responded on the quarter-hour mark through Leonardo Castro. A cross from Siyabonga Ngezana saw Happy Mashiane hit the post with a headed effort, but the rebound allowed Castro to nod home from close range for 1-1.

The Birds soon suffered an injury blow when veteran right-back Vuyo Mere appeared to tweak his hamstring, with Thabo Matlaba introduced on 19 minutes.

Just before the 30-minute mark Swallows almost netted for the second time, with Lebogang Mokoena latching onto a loose ball just outside the box and firing off a fierce volley which had the beating of goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma’s right hand, but not the post.

Chiefs enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in what remained of the first half, but the interval arrived with the teams locked at 1-1. The hosts made a double change at the start of the second stanza, with Reeve Frosler and Dumisani Zuma introduced off the bench.

Frosler almost had an immediate impact, with his fine cross from the right giving Castro another heading chance on 49 minutes, but the Colombian couldn’t direct his effort on target. And it was the same story for the striker on 55 minutes when he met Bernard Parker’s free kick.

Chances then dried up at either end, with the defences dominating up to the final whistle. There were a couple of threatening moments from either team in the dying minutes, including a turn and shot from Chiefs substitute Samir Nurkovic which was smothered by Virgil Vries, but a 1-1 draw seemed almost inevitable given Swallows’ penchant for that exact result.

Chiefs will next be in CAF Champions League action when they host Simba SC in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie this Saturday 15 May, while Swallows’ next DStv Premiership clash is at home to Stellenbosch FC next Tuesday 18 May.

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Castro 15’)
Swallows FC (1) 1 (Malinga 8’)

Chiefs: Bvuma, Ngezana (Frosler 46’), Mphahlele, Cardoso, Zulu, Parker, Katsande, Baccus (Zuma 46’), Manyama (Kambole 82’), Mashiane (Ngcobo 71’), Castro (Nurkovic 70’)

Swallows: Vries, Mere (Matlaba 19’), Ngcobo, Letlabika, Hlanti, Mahlatsi (Thibedi 61’), Nyatama, Mokoena, Mbokoma (Mhlongo 61’), Sekgota (Basadien 86’), Malinga (Gozar 86’).