Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
AmaZulu scored via an own goal by Thapelo Xoki while Simphiwe Selepe secured the equaliser for the visitors.
Pirates welcomed back Relebohile Mofokeng, who missed out on the match against SuperSport United due to suspension. Full-back Bandile Shandu was not available for the game as he served a one-match ban after he was cautioned during mid-week.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sipho Chaine also returned to the starting line-up in place of young keeper Siyabonga Dladla.
Before Saturday’s match, ‘Usuthu’ had not featured in a match since 2 May when they played to a 1-1 draw against Polokwane City FC at home.
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane made a few changes from that side with Ben Motshwari, Sifiso Ngobeni and Taariq Fielies returning to the starting line-up.
AMAZULU FC SECURE A TOP EIGHT SPOT AFTER A DRAW AGAINST THE BUCCANEERS
Pirates were dealt a huge blow when young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was forced to leave the field after twisting his ankle. The South African junior international was replaced by Thapelo Xoki. Despite a few chances created by the visitors, there was not much to write about in the first-half.
The Buccaneers once again dominated the proceedings in the early stages of the second-half but failed to make the best out of their possession.
The home side got their first real opportunity in the second-half and capitalised on it. Winger Tshepang Moremi took on a few Pirates defenders before putting in a cross, which resulted in an own goal by Patrick Maswanganyi after he failed to defend the ball.
YOUNGSTER SIMPHIWE SELEPE SECURE A POINT FOR ORLANDO PIRATES IN DURBAN
Pirates fought for the equaliser and nearly came close, but a shot from substitute Boitumelo Radiopane was saved by Andile Mbanjwa. It did not take long before the Buccaneers were rewarded.
Simphiwe Selepe slotted home with a shot from outside the 18-yard box to make it 1-1. It was also the first goal in the senior team for the youngster, who was promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] team.
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