Pirates drop points at home to PLK City

Orlando Pirates lead Polokwane City 1-0 at halftime of their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium.

Goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi continued between the sticks for Pirates, as Kermit Erasmus and Thabang Monare made way for Miguel Timm and Karim Kimvuidi following the goalless draw against AmaZulu.

Buthelezi didn't have a quiet opening ten minutes and was almost left exposed, as he needed to advance a metre from his goal-line to prevent Hlayisi Chauke tapping in a low cross.

The momentum shifted a little later where the Buccaneers began to camp in the visitors' half in which a string of corner-kicks kept goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga on tenterhooks.

Former Pirates man Ndumiso Mabena nearly had the visitors ahead after 30 minutes with a snap shot from a lay-off by Oswin Apollis, but he went wide inches wide of the upright.

However, Pirates were in the lead eight minutes before halftime as Timm and Lorch combined to set up Patrick Maswanganyi profit in the centre of the area for his second league goal of the campaign.

The Buccaneers keenly looked to double their lead after the break from a blind run involving James Monyane, but Sapunga narrowed the angle.

Coach Jose Riveiro turned to the substitutes bench midway in the second half and in cam Monnapule Saleng ahead of former Maritzburg United man Kimvuidi.

Pirates continued to enjoy a period of sustained pressure – though were pegged back in the final 20 minutes as Given Mashikinya curled in the near post following a loose pass.

The Buccaneers were eager to regain the lead as the minutes loomed but battled to get past the defence block the visitors applied.

Polokwane, though, could've snatched in the dying stages through Apollis following a through pass, but Buthelezi and 1-1 it finished.

Confirmed line-ups:

Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Xoki, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Baloni, Timm, Maswanganyi, Lorch, Kimvuidi, Makgopa

Subs: Mpontshane, Sibisi, Shandu, Monare, Makaringe, Saleng, Otladisa, Erasmus, Lepasa

Polokwane City: Sapunga, Matuludi, Ndlovu, Nikani, Nkaki, Kambala, Mashikinya, Mabena, Chauke, Ramabu, Appollis

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