Absa Premiership
Result: Highlands Park 0-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 15 April 2017
Venue: Makhulong Stadium
Orlando Pirates missed the chance to move into the top eight, after they played out a 0-0 draw with Highlands Park.
The Buccaneers enjoyed an encouraging start with Oupa Manyisa and Mpho Makola pulling the strings for the visitors.
Highlands had the chance to break the deadlock in the 17th minute when Peter Shalulile was played through on goal, but the striker blazed over the crossbar from close range.
Pirates carved their first meaningful effort after 23 minutes when Oupa Manyisa was played through on goal, however Tapuwa Kapini rushed off his line to deny midfielder.
Kjell Jonevret's charges were showing some good touches in the middle of the park as the half went on, but they struggled to break down a resolute Highlands defence.
Highlands nearly broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime, but Franklin Cale's curling free-kick crashed onto the crossbar with Siyabonga Mpontshane well beaten.
The visitors went close to taking the lead shortly after the break but Kapini was on hand to keep out Mobara's stinging effort from distance.
Highlands nearly broke the deadlock after 57 minutes when Siyabonga Nlhapo lifted the ball to the far post, where Cale was on hand to head over from six-yards out.
Pirates opted for a change after 68 minutes as Abbubakar Mobara made way for Dove Wome, while Khethukuthula Zwane replaced Lindokuhle Mbatha for the hosts.
However, the visitors were dealt a blow in the 79th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Ayanda Nkosi.
Both sides pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages, but neither could carve out a chance and were forced to settle for a point.
Here's how they lined up:
Highlands: 16. Kapini, 45. Oluwafemi, 22. Ngalo, 19. Nhlapho, 39. Katjukua, 14. Mvala, 8. Moriri (Koena 92'), 43. Mbatha (Zwane 73'), 42. Cale, 5. Khuboni, 28. Shalulile (Fikru 76').
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 2. Gcaba, 34. Nyauza, 4. Jele, 8. Matlaba, 18. Sarr, 45. Mobara (Wome 69'), 20. Manyisa, 5. Makola, 29, Lorch (Nkosi 80'), 7. Ndoro (Memela 83').
