A lack of a cutting edge in attack has been Cosmos’ problem all season and today’s game was no different as they failed to inspire in the opposition box.

There was very little in the way of goal-mouth chances in the first half.

Needing only a draw to secure a top eight finish, Swallows played with a calm authority and were in control for most of the half.

The Birds’ best bet for a goal looked likely to come via a corner kick – they had seven such set pieces in the opening 45 minutes, but Cosmos keeper Avril Phali was up to the task on each occasion.

In the 17th minute Collins Mbesuma looked to try and break the deadlock with a 25-yard effort. He timed the effort superbly, but it flew straight at Phali.

Ezenkosi had few chances around goal, for the most part their attacks broke down around the Swallows box in the face of some determined defending.

Just before the break Siyabonga Nomvete had a great chance to score when he dispossessed Thapelo Tshilo. He then attempted to chip Phali, but was let down by poor execution.

Comos showed more purpose after the break, but by no means set the game alight or put Swallows under any undue pressure as most their attacks fizzled out tamely. Tshilo sent a 47th minute free kick well wide and then Oluwafemi flashed a 61st minute effort off target. Swallows keeper Greg Etafia did well three minutes later to move quickly off his line to cut down the angle for Oluwafemi.

The Birds ensured they finished their league season on a high when Morgan Shivambu stormed through the Ezenkosi defence to poke a shot past Phali in the 89th minute, ending any hopes of a miraculous late escape act for Cosmos.

Moroka Swallows (0) 1 (Shivambu 89’)
Jomo Cosmos (0) 0

Swallows: (4-4-2) Etafia, Khumalo, Hendricks, Mphahlele, Ritchie, Shivambu, Mashishi (Gilbert 68’), Tsutsulupa (Vilakazi 82’), Bhengu, Mbesuma (Radebe 71’), Nomvete

Cosmos: (4-4-2) Phali, Tshilo, Berthe, Oluwafemi, Sono (Camara 54'), Shitolo, Gacoussou, Mngomezulu, Samb, Moloto, Smith.

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