Pirates held, leaving door open for Champions League spot
Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Royal AM in a DStv Premiership encounter on Wednesday, leaving the door open for the CAF Champions League spot.
A last gasp strike by Royal AM’s Menzi Masuku spoilt Relebohile Ratomo’s dream debut.
The 17-year-old had scored his first senior team goal in the 56th minute. However, Masuku levelled terms at the stroke of full time.
The School of Excellence prodigy, Rathomo, was handed his first senior team start by Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
The draw saw the Ghost move two points above third placed SuperSport United who slipped up on Tuesday night following a goalless draw against Stellenbosch FC.
Pirates have now amassed 50 points, whilst SuperSport have 48 with two matches left before the curtain comes down on the 2022/23 season.
The stalemate also halted Pirates’ six match winning streak.
PIRATES HELD BY ROYAL AM
The Soweto giants fielded a much changed starting eleven from their last encounter. Jose Riveiro made seven changes resting some key players ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final showdown against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday 6 May.
Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane, Thabang Monare, Monnapule Saleng and Terrence Dzvukamanja were all rested. The duo of Kabelo Dlamini and Miguel Timm were not available due to suspension.
The seven players were replaced by Sandile Mthethwa, Bandile Shandu, Makhehlene Makhaula, Phillip Ndlondlo, Kermit Erasmus and debutant Ratomo.
PIRATES DOMINANCE
It was one way traffic in the first half. The Sea Robbers dominated play as Royal AM were struggling to contain them.
The hosts were first to threaten at goal, but Deon Hotto’s shot was off target in the 17th minute. Moments later, Bucs almost opened the scoring through Kermit Erasmus but his shot was cleared off the line.
Rathomo almost made his debut memorable by scoring only for his shot to go over the bar 39 minutes into the game. Ndlondlo was next to miss as his effort went over the bar.
The teams went on the break deadlocked at 0-0.
At the start of the second half the Soweto giants continued with their dominance searching for the opener. Shandu’s shot was didn’t trouble goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.
Pirates were rewarded in the 56th minute through Ratomo who was having a great game.
The KZN side’s first chance at goal came just before the hour mark. Sedwyn George’s attempt was well dealt with by Sipho Chaine. In the 74th mimute, Mfundo Thikazi’s strike forced Chaine to make a great save.
Menzi Masuku then salvaged a draw stoppage time.
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