Moroka Swallows interim coach Musa Nyatama hailed the effort of his side following the 2-2 come-from-behind draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday evening.
Sundowns raced to a two-nil lead after 51 minutes thanks to goals from Tebogo Mokoena and Marcelo Allende.
Augustine Mahlonoko halved the deficit in the 57th minute before Gabadihno Mhango netted the equalizer with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Mhango’s goal was initially ruled out for offside before the referee allowed it to stand after consulting with his assistant. Nyatama says he was happy with the referee’s decision, adding that a point is important in their quest for survival.
“It was a difficult match, we knew they were gonna come at us, ball possession, they are gonna keep the ball but a point we’re happy. It’s a good point for us, we’re fighting for our lives down there.
“Ja, we were just frustrated on the bench, we didn’t know whether the referee is gonna give it or not but we’re happy. The decision, it came to us tonight,” Nyatama told SuperSport TV.
Swallows are nine points away from safety with six games remaining in the league.
Nyatama says a point is enough against a difficult Sundowns side.
“But look, I’m very proud of these boys, you know. They put in a shift, it’s not easy to play a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, they are not number one for nothing. 2-0, they had to come back, very proud of them. And also my technical team, let me congratulate them, we’re doing a lot of work.
“It means a lot, these guys are pushing despite the difficulties that we’re facing and all that but they are pushing themselves every day at training, even in the matches you know.
“But we can’t fault anyone, after coming back from 2-0 to 2-2 against Sundowns, you know how difficult it is to play these guys. But I’m very proud of the players tonight,” Nyatama added.
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