Orlando Pirates remain in second position on the DStv Premiership despite dropping points at home to Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates made three changes to the side that started the Nedbank Cup win over Kaizer Chiefs, with Deon Hotto, Makhehleni Makhaula and Sandile Mthethwa returning to the starting line-up.
The Buccaneers started strongly and overloaded the left of the area where Monnapule Saleng came short and cut-in as well as deliver crosses to the six-yard box.
Babina Noko were rather comfortable sitting deep and managed to have a chance from a corner-kick which Tshegofatso Mabasa nodded over from the tightest of angles.
Pirates, though, had the better of the overall stakes and took the lead on the half-hour mark when a cross from Saleng dropped in the box where Terrence Dzvukamanja pounced to head home.
The visitors levelled matters in the last six minutes to the break as Edwin Gyimah picked up a flick-on in the area following a high-ball and nodded in an empty net.
Jose Riveiro's men desperately looked to restore the lead before the close of the first half, but were unable to hit target.
Pirates continued their bright spell in the second half and came close to regain the lead from a cross by their goal-scorer Dzvukamanja, but Saleng didn't capitalise.
The Buccaneers had more openings with Sekhukhune on the back-foot and point-blank attempts from Kermit Erasmus and Dzvukamanja put Badra Ali Sangare to work.
Riveiro introduced three changes at the closing quarter with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Fortune Makaringe and Thabiso Monyane on the park.
Dzvukamanja staged another threat in the last 15 minutes when he brought a cross under control and applied an overhead effort that hit the upright with Sangare well beaten.
Pirates continued to push numbers forward whereas Sekhukhune were content to hold back, although Elias Mokwana did squander a big chance for the visitors late on as it ended all square.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Xoki, Mthethwa, Mako, Makhaula, Monare, Dlamini, Dzvukamanja, Saleng, Erasmus
Subs: Mpontshane, Nga, Ratomo, Makgopa, Ndlondlo, Makaringe, Sibisi, Motshwari, Monyane
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Tshibwabwa, Zulu, Cardoso, Gyimah, Mokotjo, Mkhabela, Mashikinya, Ohizu, Vilakazi, Mabasa
Subs: Mtsweni, Mahlangu, Ntiya-Ntiya, Farmer, Seabi, Letsoalo, Mokwana, Shai, Masiya
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