Swallows hold Sundowns to boost DStv Premiership survival hopes

Sundowns began by taking the game by the scruff of the neck and in the sixth minute Aubrey Modiba delivered a superb cross into the area but Peter Shalulile's header went wide.

The Brazilians were putting their opponents under plenty of pressure but Junaid Sait did fire wide from Gregory Damons' corner for Swallows against the run of play. Soon after, Shalulile missed another headed chance from a corner.

Downs thought they had taken the lead on the half hour mark when Shalulile fired into the back of the net but it was pulled back for offside.

Teboho Mokoena was having a good game for the champions in the heart of midfield and had two bites at the cherry. The first was blocked while the second flew narrowly wide of the upright as the Birds breathed a sigh of relief.

Shalulile brought a fine save out of Swallows keeper Daniel Akpeyi with an acrobatic effort on the hour mark.

In the 71st minute, Sipho Mbule's shot from the edge of the box went just inches over the woodwork as Downs were becoming more and more impatient with time running out on the clock.

Despite the intense pressure from the visitors, Swallows held on for what could be a crucial point in their battle for DStv Premiership survival.