The defending league champs were looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership table but Swallows had other ideas as they took the lead after 31 minutes through Tebogo Monyani. Gert Schalkwyk equalised for the hosts in the second half to earn a point.

Chiefs began the game at a snails pace and it was Swallows who created the better chances and could have taken the lead after 11 minutes when under-fire goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez came out and missed a ball played in from the right. The goalminder's blushes were spared as Swallows were unable to take advantage of his mistake.

The Birds took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Tebogo Monyani headed home a free kick from the right, and even though Fernandez got a touch to the ball it carried on in to the net to give Swallows the lead.

Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp brought David Mathebula on after the break for Ditheko Mototo and the diminutive midfielder immediately gave Chiefs the edge. Mathebula earned a free kick and found the head of Schalkwyk who equalised to the delight of the crowd.

Amakhosi striker David Radebe had two good oppurtunities to give his team the lead but on both occasions he hardly tested Nigeria keeper Greg Etafia.

Defender Jimmy Tau picked up a yellow card in injury time and will miss the ABSA Cup last-16 tie against City Pillars next Saturday at Soccer City.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys have 46 points and lead Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates by two and four points respectively. However the two title-chasing clubs both have two games in hand and are under pressure to catch up with the Soweto giant.

Lineups:

Kaizer Chiefs: R. Fernandez, J. Tau, C. Nzama, F. McCarthy, D. Mototo (Mathebula 46 min), P. Mayo, T. Nengomasha (Radebe 46 min), A. Zwane, G.Schalkwyk, L Agyemang (Spencer 82 min)

Coach: Ernst Middendorp

Moroka Swallows:G. Etafia, E. Kasinayo (Haskins 88min), I. Winstanley ( Mokoro 60min), M. Phiri, C. Oerson, G. Mazibuko ( McNab 46 min), M. Ouseb, I. Chikoya, L. Tsutsulupa, M. Niang, T. Monyai

Coach: Gavin Hunt

Goals: Chiefs 1 (Schalkwyk 57 min) Swallows (Monyai 31 min)

Yellow Cards: Swallows: Tsutsulupa 41 min, Chiefs: Tau 89 min

Referee: J. Damon


Assistant 1: E. Molefe


Assistant 2: L. Motela


4th Official: V. Hlungwani


Match Commissioner Inspector: R. Pillay

by Yusuf Muhammed

edited by Shahied Joseph