Brighton Mhlongo 6
The Pirates goalkeeper looked in control of his defence throughout the match except on one occasion – when Katsande found himself unmarked inside the box and scored. Instead of blaming his defence for leaving Katsande unmarked, Mhlongo pushed the referee and was booked.
Thabo Matlaba 6
Matlaba tried his best to push forward looking for chances to shoot. The defender performed his defensive duties well, stopping William Twala from playing.
READ: Matlaba praises Bucs subs
Edwin Gyimah 7
The Ghanaian fought a good battle against Abraw, standing his ground and clearing everything without taking any risks. Unlucky when his headed goal at 0-0 was disallowed as Qalinge took a free-kick before the referee blew his whistle.
Rooi Mahamutsa 6
With Tshabalala playing deep and Gyimah picking up Abraw, Mahamutsa played more of a sweeping role, often coming into action when defending long-balls. His long throw-ins caused problems for Chiefs. One was headed goalwards by Gabuza only for Khune to save and in the second half his throw found Gcaba, but the defender could not direct his header on target.
Ayanda Gcaba 6
In the 69th minute, Gcaba’s long-throw found Gabuza who headed in the equaliser. Gcaba had a trouble-free match, having to make a few clearances including from a George Lebese cross intended for Abraw in the 76th minute.
Thabo Rakhale 5
The Pirates winger found himself in ample space as Masilela left gaps but Rakhale failed to take advantage. He was replaced by Menzi Masuku in the second half.
Thandani Ntshumayelo 6
Ntshumayelo tried his best and stood his ground against Letsholonyane and Katsande. His best moment was in the 56th minute when his long-range strike was tipped over by Khune. He was replaced by Makola midway through the second half.
Issa Sarr 6
The lanky midfielder played safe and simple and his height came in handy when defending corners. Sarr was always alert when Chiefs countered from Khune, but his combination with Ntshumayelo was poor.
Thabo Qalinge 7
A very good performance by the entertaining winger. Qalinge looked confident and eager to create problems for Chiefs whenever he had the ball. In the seventh minute his pass found Majoro but Mathoho was on hand to stop the Pirates striker. He also wowed the crowd with an outrageous piece of individual juggling later in the game.
READ: Qalinge's skills give Tinkler a lift
*Thamsanqa Gabuza 8
Always made runs and put defenders under pressure, it was a matter of time before Gabuza got a chance and scored. That came in the 69th minute when he headed in Gcaba’s throw, leaving Khune for dead. Midway through the first half Gabuza’s great run on the right on the counter was foiled when his cross failed to reach Majoro. A few minutes later his strong header from Mahamutsa’s throw was well saved by Khune.
Lehlohonolo Majoro 5
Majoro was anonymous in the first half and whenever he controlled the ball Gordinho was on hand to stop him. In the 59th minute his tame shot went straight into Khune’s hands. He was replaced by Myeni.
Mpho Makola 6
Makola came on for Ntshumayelo with 27 minutes remaining and worked hard to help Pirates get back into the match. He tried a few shots, including a long-range effort in the 78th that flew over the bar and a free-kick on 90 minutes that went out for a corner.
Sifiso Myeni 5
Myeni replaceed Majoro in the 65th minute with Orlando Pirates chasing the match and made very little impact.
Menzi Masuku
On for Rakhale with less than ten minutes to go.