Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu shared the spoils after playing to a goalless draw in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday evening.
Forward Evidence Makgopa was given another run out by the Buccaneers following a good outing against Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Knockout, while Sphelo Baloni started ahead of Miguel Timm in the midfield.
Pirates looked to settle quickest as a mis-timed pass from goalkeeper Veli Mothwa led Thembinkosi Lorcch amongst others in play, but the attempt escaped the intended target.
Makgopa was next in sight for the Buccaneers minutes apart where he latched onto a loose ball from close-range, but Mothwa narrowed the angle and parried.
AmaZulu had to make a change later on as defender Taariq Fielies picked up knock and was replaced by Veluyeke Zulu.
The latter didn't enjoy a fruitful outing and was himself substituted in the final five minutes of the half to see Thembela Sikhakhane enter the fray.
Following a Man-of-the-Match performance against Spurs, star man Lorch went on the attack after cutting inside and looked to give the visitors the lead but snapped wide.
Pablo Franco Martin's boys didn't sit back though but had an opening where a teasing free-kick from Riaan Hanamub bothered the visitors before Melusi Buthelezi smothered.
The Buccaneers were promising in possession as well as attack and nearly got the lead when Makgopa nodded a floated delivery from Karim Kimvuidi wide.
Pirates missed a golden chance to grab maximum points in second-half stoppage time when Patrick Maswanganyi's first-time volley in the area flew over, as the two sides settled for a share of the spoils in the end.
Confirmed line-ups:
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mphahlele, Gumede, Motshwari, Brooks, Dion, Ekstein, Mbanjwa
Subs: Mzimela, Mabiliso, Sikhakhane, Zulu, Maluleka, Human, Ngema, Moremi, Kwem
Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Xoki, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Baloni, Monare, Maswanganyi, Lorch, Makgopa, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Sesame, Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Kimvuidi, Otladisa, Lepasa
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!