Orlando Pirates dropped crucial points in the Betway Premiership title race after playing to a 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers came from a goal behind to force a share of spoils after Vincent Pule broke the deadlock in the first half before Tshepang Moremi levelled matters for the home side in the second half. Pirates moved to 48 points in 21 games, while second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns are on 47 points.
Pirates welcomed Siwelele at home, searching for maximum points to open a gap on Sundowns on the league table. The Soweto giants entered the fray with high confidence after a 2-0 win over Richards Bay FC on Wednesday saw them overtake Sundowns at the summit of the log.
Pirates had a dominant start to the match, pressing Siwelele deep into their own half as they searched for a quick opening goal.
Pirates dominated the opening exchanges, carving out a handful of clear-cut opportunities, but Ricardo Goss stood firm to keep the scores level. However, against the run of play, Siwelele struck a clinical blow in the 21st minute. It was a moment of bitter irony for the home fans as former Pirates star Vincent Pule emerged from nowhere to haunt his old side and open the scoring.
TSHEPANG MOREMI NETS EQUALISER FOR PIRATES
After Siwelele scored, the Ghosts continued to dominate ball possession and created more scoring chances; however, the away side managed to hold on to go into the half-time break leading 1-0. Pirates had it all to do in the second-half to overturn the scoreline and fight for a win to keep their Premiership ambitions alive.
In the 52nd minute, Pirates netted the equalising goal courtesy of talented winger Tshepang Moremi. A few minutes later, Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou brought fresh legs into the team, replacing Nkosikhona Ndaba and Yanela Mbuthuma with Deon Hotto and Evidence Makgopa.
Makgopa came close to giving Pirates the lead shortly after coming on as a substitute. He received a great pass from Moremi; however, the Bafana Bafana striker ballooned his shot over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper left to beat.
Despite Pirates’ late push to score a winner, Siwelele held on to frustrate the MTN8 champions with a 1-1 draw.
In other matches on Saturday, Magesi FC and Chippa United played to an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Golden Arrows beat Marumo Gallants 2-1.
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