Soccer Laduma rates the performance of the Orlando Pirates' players in their 2-2 draw against FC Platinum in the CAF Champions League on Friday night.
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Starting XI:
Wayne Sandilands: 7/10
Sandilands looked assured in goals and saved a penalty in the first stanza to keep Bucs in the game. In the two goals he conceded, he was exposed by defensive errors.
Happy Jele: 6/10
Jele did not look out of place being deployed at right full-back after a series of games playing centre-back but he could have done better.
Alfred Ndengane: 5/10
Ndengane had one of those games he'll want to forget quickly. His lack of pace was exposed after he was partnered with Caio Marcelo in centre-back and more so after Pirates played with only three defenders in the second stanza chasing the match.
Innocent Maela: 5/10
Maela was also not at his best against FC Platinum. His overlaps were not properly covered especially in the first half.
Caio Marcelo: 4/10
Marcelo was thrown in the deep end in such a crucial match and Pirates paid dearly as he conceded a penalty in the first stanza although Sandilands saved him his blushes. He looked shaky and was substituted at the beginning of the second stanza
Musa Nyatama: 6/10
Nyatama ran tirelessly in midfield but lacked the finesse to make those defence splitting passes.
Xolani Mlambo: 5/10
Mlambo could not complete a lot of his passes and lost many balls especially in the first stanza. He lacked the usual rhythm and tempo in his game.
Luvuyo Memela: 7/10
Memela was one of the few outstanding Pirates players. He delivered great balls inside the area from the right channel, including setting up Thembinkosi Lorch's goal.
Kudakwashe Mahachi: 6/10
Mahachi was not finding his rhythm in the game and his creative thrust did not come to the fore as a result.
Thembinkosi Lorch: 7/10
Lorch was not at his outstanding best but his quality stood out as he pulled a goal back for Bucs with nine minutes remaining.
Justin Shonga: 6/10
Shonga was wasteful upfront getting chances but not putting them away. Not one of his best performances.
Subs:
Augustine Mulenga: 7/10
Mulenga gave Pirates a different dimension after coming on for Marcelo at the start of the second stanza and scored a stunning equaliser with three minutes remaining.
Thamsanqa Gabuza: 5/10
Gabuza had only 20 minutes to impress after coming on for Nyatama and his presence upfront opened spaces for Bucs in deeper areas although he did not get clear chances himself.
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