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AmaZulu FC and Moroka Swallows drew 1-1, while the Cape derby ended in a 1-0 victory for Stellenbosch FC over Cape Town City FC in DStv Premiership action.
Late heroics secure draw in AmaZulu vs Swallows clash
Moroka Swallows struck late in the second half to salvage a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC in a thrilling DStv Premiership encounter at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin's strategic lineup changes saw Sede Dion stepping in for Augustine Kwem, and Hendrick Ekstein making a midfield comeback. The initial stages were marked by evenly contested play, with home side AmaZulu testing Swallows' goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi through long-range attempts by Ben Motswahri and Ethan Brooks.
As the Dube Birds struggled to find openings, AmaZulu opted for a change in approach, substituting Motswari for Kwem, who joined Dion in the attack. Swallows' interim coach Musa Nyatama responded with a substitution at the start of the second half, bringing in Lwanda Mbanjwa for Gregory Damons to bolster their attacking options.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute, with AmaZulu's full-back Riaan Hanamub cutting in from the left flank to score his first league goal of the season.
However, just when it seemed AmaZulu was headed for victory, Swallows equalized in the 92nd minute. Substitute Augustine Mahlonoko secured his first goal for the club, securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Stellenbosch triumph in Cape derby, claim second spot
Stellenbosch FC claimed a victory in the Cape Derby, defeating Cape Town City 1-0 at DHL Cape Town Stadium and ascending to the second spot on the DStv Premiership table.
City coach Eric Tinkler made strategic changes, recalling Thamsanqa Mkhize, Relebohile Mokhuoane, Taahir Goedeman, and Thabiso Kutumela. On the other side, Stellenbosch made smart substitutions, with Athenkosi Mcaba and Darrel Matsheke replacing Ismael Toure and Jayden Adams.
The visitors showed promise early on, with Devon Titus making a run on goal, but City's goalkeeper Darren Keet thwarted the attempt.
Stellenbosch took the lead in the 33rd minute when Antonio van Wyk's through pass found Titus, who rounded Keet for an easy finish, making it 1-0.
Despite a golden opportunity for City's top scorer Khanyisa Mayo just beyond the break, Stellenbosch defended well.
The Maroons had a chance to draw level, but a shot by Sihle Ndluli on the volley was kept out, securing the victory for Stellenbosch and propelling them to second place in the league standings.
