Orlando Pirates extended their winless run to three matches in the DStv Premiership after drawing 1-1 with AmaZulu on Friday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu
Date: 14 October 2022
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates welcomed goalkeeper Richard Ofori back from suspension. Kermit Erasmus got his first start alongside a recall for Ben Motshwari while Evidence Makgopa was on the bench for the first time.
The game got off to a quick start as Monnapule Saleng came close to giving the Buccaneers an early lead with a low curling free-kick that was tipped into the post by shot-stopper Veli Mothwa.
After a couple of threats, Lehlohonolo Majoro should have given AmaZulu the lead on 15 minutes after he went through clear on goal but he guided his shot agonisingly wide with only Ofori to beat.
The hosts had an injury blow seven minutes later after Bandile Shandu could not continue and with Thabiso Monyane suspended, Jose Riveiro surprisingly brought on Fortune Makaringe as his replacement at right wing-back.
Usuthu also had a casualty shortly after the half-hour mark after Majoro was stretchered off the pitch with oxygen equipment and immediately replaced Msindisi Ndlovu after a nasty collision with Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofoi.
The referee then gave the visitors a penalty as a result of Ofori's challenge, which allowed Sphesihle Maduna to break the deadlock for Romain Folz's men with a well-placed spot-kick.
However, the Buccaneers were fired up after that and levelled matters on the stroke of halftime as Erasmus' low strike ricocheted off the backside of Mothwa and sailed into the back of the net.
Pirates settled the better of the sides in the second stanza but their rhythm was affected ten minutes later after Ofori picked up an injury and left the field with his knee strapped, as he was replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Riveiro's charges continued to pressurise AmaZulu and were awarded a penalty on the hour-mark after a handball by Ramahlwe Mphahlele in the box. However, Nkosinathi Sibisi's spot-kick for Pirates was smothered by Mothwa.
The Soweto giants kept on coming and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo came close to giving them the lead 16 minutes before time with a first-time shot in the box that was parried away by Mothwa after a cut-back by Deon Hotto.
Usuthu were absorbing the pressure in the closing stages, as Pirates looked for a way through a deep block and the hosts were denied the winner in stoppage after Mothwa kept out a close-range shot by Olisa Ndah as the game ended all square.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 31. Ofori, 49. Ndah, 5. Sibisi, 23. Maela, 26. Shandu, 6. Motshwari, 4. Timm, 11. Hotto, 15. Ndlondlo, 14. Saleng, 95. Erasmus
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 27. Xoki, 15. Makaringe, 12. Makgaka, 18. Dlamini, 9. Makgopa, 25. Lepasa, 49. Peprah
AmaZulu: 44. Mothwa, 5. Sikhakhane, 14. Hanamub, 23. Mphahlele, 2. Mobara, 45. Buchanan, 8. Makhaula, 12. Maluleka, 10. Maduna, 9. Kwem, 20. Majoro
Subs: 1. Mzimela, 22. Khumalo, 42. Mabiliso, 4. Malepe, 18. Brooks, 26. Magaqa, 36. Kunene, 50. Bwalya, 3. Ndlovu
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
