Orlando Pirates entered the halftime break leading SuperSport United 1-0 in their final league game of the season.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-1 SuperSport United
Date: 25 May 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
The Buccaneers were without defenders Thapelo Xoki (injured) and Nkosinathi Sibisi (suspended), with the former set to miss the Nedbank Cup final as well.
Monnapule Saleng was back in the Buccaneers' attack alongside Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng, while SuperSport had youngster Shandre Campbell back from suspension.
Jose Riveiro called for better attitude from his players after last week's defeat and looked to go ahead early on as Mabasa and Makheleni Makhaula passed up openings in the first 15 minutes.
Pirates had to wait until 20-minute mark to get a sight at goal, but SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss produced a superb save to keep out Deon Hott's stinging effort from distance.
The Buccaneers got their reward on the stroke of halftime, as Mabasa bagged his 16th league goal of the season by firing past Goss.
Gavin Hunt's charges came out firing in the second period and were rewarded with the equaliser on 63 minutes, as Gape Moralo getson the end of Campbell's assist to fire past Sipho Chaine.
The Buccaneers nearly fell behind in the 73rd minute but Chaine popped up with a vital interception to stop SuperSport's Terrence Dzvukamanja from scoring on his return to Orlando Stadium.
Riveiro responded with a double change, with Kabelo Dlamini and Baloni replacing Patrick Maswanganyi and Makhaula for the final 15 minutes of the second period.
Despite not getting the winning goal, the Buccaneers got second place after Stellenbosch had lost to Richards Bay in their final game.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Ndah, Sesane, Hotto, Monyane, Mbatha, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Saleng, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Baloni, Dlamini, Ndlondlo, Kapinga, Pule, Otladisa, Makgopa
SuperSport United: Goss, Magidigidi, Baloyi, Bhasera, Hlatshwayo, Ndlovu, Lakay, Margeman, Lungu, Campbell, Dzvukamanja
Subs: Arubi, Xulu, Baliti, Moralo, Okon, Ighodaro, Rasebotja, Grobler, Matodzi
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