Orlando Pirates failed to strengthen their grip on second spot on the DStv Premiership table following a 1-1 draw against Royal AM on Wednesday afternoon.
Pirates made a host of changes with teenager Relebohile Ratomo, Makhehleni Makhaula, Phillip Ndlondlo, Bandile Shandu, Fortune Makaringe and Kermit Erasmus getting the no, while former Buccaneers star Happy Jele was recalled to the Royal AM line-up.
The Buccaneers should've taken the lead before the 20th minute after a pin-point pass from Erasmus set Deon Hotto level with goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto, but the Namibian hit the frame of the goal.
Erasmus himself had the chance to make the opening minutes gone with a shot in the area following smart play, but his effort was cleared off the line by Jabulani Ncobeni.
Pirates still enjoyed the better chances and easily cut through the visitors defence ahead of halftime as Erasmus brought a long ball under control and played in Ratomo, but the 18-year-old debutant couldn't profit.
Mpoto nearly gifted the Buccaneers the lead with a loose ball after attempting a throw-out, but fortunately the Royal AM defenders reacted quickly and bailed him out.
Pirates made their dominance count ten minutes after the break after Ratomo's snap shot outside the area deflected off Elias Pelembe and rolled past Mpoto.
Thwihli Thwahla looked to hit back immediately and were inches away as a long pass set Sedwyn George clear and level with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who came out on top in the battle.
A pair of fresh legs for the Sea Robbers around the final phases saw Monnapule Saleng come on from the bench and Hotto sacrificed by coach Jose Riveiro.
Royal AM went close again a little to the remaining ten minutes and watched a first-time shot from Mfundo Thikazi drew Chaine to a point-blank save.
Pirates led their advantage slip in added time after Menzi Masuku rose high in the area to nod into the bottom-corner and helped his side grab a point at Orlando Stadium.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Mthethwa, Shandu, Mako, Makhaula, Ndlondlo, Ratomo, Hotto, Makaringe, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Pule, Dzvukamanja, Nga, Xoki, Monare, Saleng, Motshwari, Monyane
Royal AM: Mpoto, Jele, Matlaba, Manganyi, Pelembe, Ncobeni, Magaqa, Potsane, Sikakane, Mogalia, George
Subs: Ngcobo, Masuku, Mashiane, Lingwati, Dube, Thikazi, Sera, Kobedi, Macuphu
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