Orlando Pirates were denied a fourth straight win in the Betway Premiership after TS Galaxy snatched a last-gap 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium.
Betway Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-1 TS Galaxy
Date: 17 May 2025
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Coach Mandla Ncikazi took charge following the departure of Jose Riveiro this week, but he recalled Patrick Maswanganyi following the 3-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
Galaxy were playing their final game of the season and were desperate to make their top eight position secured, so it was no surprise that they looked the livelier in the early stages.
The Buccaneers saw a bit more ball as the first half went on, but the Galaxy defenders did well to restrict their counterparts to harmless efforts from distance.
While the home side struggled to carve out chances, Galaxy went close to pulling ahead just before the break Siphesihle Maduna did well to pick out Victor Letsoalo, who sent his header wide of the mark.
Pirates interim coach Ncikazi made change at the start of the second half between the sticks, as Sipho Chaine made way for Melusi Buthelezi.
Maswangwanyi had more of an impact after the break as the Buccaneers midfielder carved out an opening for Tshegofatso Mabasa, who sent his effort wide of the upright.
However, the home side finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Bandile Shandu got his second goal of the league campaign by firing past Galaxy goalkeeper Ira Tapé from close range.
The Soweto giants did have a couple more looks at goal in the latter stages but they were unable to hold on as Galaxy bagged the equaliser thanks to Mpho Mvelase's first league goal of the season in the 93rd minute.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 34. Chaine, 5. Sibisi, 44. Mbokazi, 26. Shandu, 7. Hotto, 47. Selepe, 18. Dlamini, 28. Maswanganyi, 33. Nkota, 38. Mofokeng, 9. Mabasa
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 3. Van Rooyen, 46. Dansin, 42. Radiopane, 32. Moleleki, 30. Madiba, 27. Xoki, 25. Kimvuidi, 21. Tshobeni
TS Galaxy: 16. Tape, 4. M. Mahlangu, 25. Ndamane, 3. Letsoenyo, Mncube, 21. Sebelebele, 10. Maduna, 28. Mgaga, Mahlambi, 17. Letsoalo, 15. Dithejane.
Subs: 32. Ciupa, 45. Seema, 8. Mbunjana, 22. Walters, 2. Mvelase, 27. Masiya, 40. Dolly, 11. S.Mahlangu
