Jomo Cosmos gained a valuable point when they drew 1-1 against title-chasing Moroka Swallows in a hard-fought Castle Premiership match at Rustenburg on Sunday.
Struggling Cosmos were full value for their point and coach Jomo Sono was happy after successive defeats at the same venue against leaders Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
But it was a crazy own goal by Cosmos veteran defender Andrew Rabutla that gave Swallows a 1-0 lead after 35 minutes.
Rabutla, the former Bafana Bafana defender, completely misjudged a cross from Swallows’ Alfred Phiri and he put it into the back of his own net.
The goal seemed to inspire Cosmos more than it did Swallows, and it was Cosmos who finished the half the stronger team.
Cosmos levelled matters in the 58th minute when Zambian striker Chris Katango capitalised on a defensive mistake and scored with a 20m rocket that flew into the far corner.
Cosmos had superb chances to snatch the winner, the best being by Innocent Ntsune, who was marginally wide with a good shot in the 72nd minute.
Five minutes later, Mark Haskins should have made the game safe for Cosmos, but failed with only Greg Netefia to beat when he conceded the ball to the advancing ‘keeper. — Sapa