Absa Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-1 AmaZulu
Date: 09 December 2017
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the Absa Premiership table, despite playing to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu at the Orlando Stadium.
Luvuyo Memela had a strike from range after some good play, but his effort just shaded the upright in the ninth minute.
22 minutes into the game, AmaZulu broke the deadlock through an own-goal from Pirates defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who deflected a cross into his own net.
Captain Thabo Matlaba found space outside the box which tempted him to take a shot, which he did, but his effort deflected out for a corner as Pirates pressed for an equaliser.
Pirates eventually leveled matters on 35 minutes, when Nyauza redeemed himself by slotting home from 12-yards out after Memela had hit the upright.
The Buccaneers enjoyed most of the possession in the final 10 minutes of the first half, but they could not find another goal and went into the break level at 1-1.
Pirates tried to change their fortunes when they introduced Thamsanqa Gabuza in place of Ayanda Nkosi 10 minutes into the second half.
Memela had an opportunity in the 65th minute but his effort was well saved by Boalefa Pule, who endured a busy evening.
Gabuza had a chance in the box soon after his introduction, but failed to trouble Pule as his shot went into the side -netting.
The half was characterised by near misses as neither team found the back of the net.
AmaZulu managed to see off a late surge to claim a point against Pirates, who move to the summit of the table.
Here's how they lined up:
Pirates: 16. Mabokgwane, 19. Chabalala, 6. Shitolo, 34. Nyauza, 8. Matlaba, 14. Nyatama, 11. Memela (Mthiyane 88') , 5. Makola, 24. Kutumela (Rakhale 72'), 27. Shonga, 17. Nkosi (Gabuza 59').
AmaZulu: 31. B. Pule, 13. Ouro-Akoriko, 17. M. Gumede, 36. Mtsweni, 24. Sikhakhane, 4. Morton, 6. Ncube (Daroph 81'), 14. Mnguni, 12. S. Dlamini, 9. Cele (Karuru 71'), 16. Manzini (Khenyeza 65').
