Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu played out to an entertaining draw in a DStv Premiership clash on Friday night at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Pirates welcomed AmaZulu in search of their first victory in two matches in the league.
Pirates were the lively of the two sides in the opening exchanges of the match, and Kermit Erasmus was fouled on the edge of the box.
The Buccaneers came close to finding the back of the net when Monnapule Saleng’s free-kick dinked over the wall to hit the upright in the 4th minute.
AmaZulu started stringing some good passes in the Pirates’ half and created chances but was let down by poor decision-making in the final third.
José Riveiro had to make an early substitution after wing-back Bandile Shandu picked up an injury and was replaced by Fortune Makaringe in the 22nd minute.
FOLZ’S FIRST POINT AT USUTHU
Usuthu drew the first blood in the 35th minute through Sphesihle Madina from the penalty spot after Richard Ofori was judged to have fouled Lehlohonolo Majoro in the box.
Majoro was stretched out, and in his place came Msindisi Ndlovu after sustaining a head injury when he collided with Ofori.
Erasmus pulled one back for Pirates on the stroke of halftime after a well-worked through pass by Makaringe.
AmaZulu got the second half underway, and the Soweto giants brought in Kabelo Dlamini in place of Ben Motshwari.
Pirates had to make another forced substitution early in the second half bringing in Siyabonga Mpontshane after the Ghanaian shot-stopper, Ofori limped off injured.
Pirates were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute, and Nkosinathi Sibisi stepped up to take the spot kick, but his low shot was kept out by Veli Mothwa.
Bucs came close to taking the lead in the 73rd minute after Deon Hotto drove the ball into the box to find Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, whose shot was pushed aside by Mothwa.
In regulation time, Mothwa pulled a double save to ensure that Romain Folz collected his first point in charge of AmaZulu.
Pirates and AmaZulu could not be separated after 90 minutes.
After tonight’s results, Pirates dropped down to 7th place on the league table while AmaZulu remain winless in six games in all competitions.
Mothwa walked away with the Man of the Match award for his efforts in the game.
