Orlando Pirates failed to take advantage of Kaizer Chiefs dropping points as the Buccaneers played to a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday night.
With the result Pirates remain seven points behind Chiefs who played to a 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United also on Wednesday night.
Pirates did get off to the perfect start as Collins Mbesuma opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute after being set-up on goal by Oupa Manyisa. All the Zambian had to do was tap the ball home and he made no mistake, 1-0.
However, after falling behind AmaZulu woke to the task and started applying pressure on the Buccaneers goal.
Only some brilliant keeping kept Pirates in the lead as Senzo Meyiwa produced a great fingertip save to deny Goodman Dlamini the equaliser.
In the 35th minute, though, there was nothing Meyiwa could do as he watched a thunderous Thamsanqa Teyise free-kick sail narrowly over the crossbar to the keeper’s relief.
The second period started with Pirates looking to add to their goal and had two good chances through Khetowakhe Masuku, but on both occasions the player failed to find the target as he shooting proved wasteful.
AmaZulu would make the Buccaneers pay for their wasted opportunities when Goodman Dlamini found the equaliser in the 59th minute, latching onto a rebound that the Pirates defence failed to deal with, 1-1.
The game ended with neither side really creating any more decent goal scoring chances.
AmaZulu (0) 1 (G. Dlamini 59’)
Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Mbesuma 4’)
Teams:
AmaZulu: Tapuwa Kapini, Luyanda Hlongwa, Philani Cele, Thamsanqa Teyise, Carlington Nyadombo (Willem Mwedihanga 32), Kulegani Madondo, Stanley Kgatla, Njabulo Manqana, Thokozani Mshengu (Joseph Malongoane 85), Goodman Dlamini (Andile Khumalo 71), Ayanda Dlamini
Orlando Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Patrick Phungwayo, Ayanda Gcaba, Khetowakhe Masuku (Ndumiso Mabena 72), Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Daine Klate (Tlou Segolela 65), Onyekachi Okonkwo, Collins Mbesuma (Takesure Chinyama 77)
Courtesy of http://www.psl.co.za