Orlando Pirates vs Cape Town Spurs match review: Orlando Pirates stuttered at home as they failed to secure a win over Cape Town Spurs in the DStv Premiership as they drew 1-1.
Pirates hosted Spurs at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers were gunning for a win but they were held by the Mother City side.
Bright Start for Pirates
As they were chasing their third win across all competitions, the Buccaneers could not consolidate their early lead in Soweto.
Defender Thabiso Monyane signalled Pirates’ intentions and provided the game’s first shot at goal just five minutes into the clash.
But the right-back’s effort produced a fine save from Spurs goalkeeper Neil Boshoff who was alert to make a save. In search of their second goal, forward Tshegofatso Mabasa saw his well-taken shot sailing over the crossbar in the eighth minute.
However, coach Jose Riveiro’s troops opened the scoring in the 12th minute through midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng was smart as he made a beautiful run into the box from the flank before slotting in at the bottom corner.
Spurs fight back to secure a point in Soweto
Mentored by veteran coach Ernst Middendorp, the Urban Warriors rallied to share the spoils. As they managed to inflict pain on their hosts in the first round, Spurs were in high spirits ahead of the tie.
Following several efforts to break down Pirates’ defence, Spurs finally scored in the 76th minute through a well-taken shot by an unmarked Gadiel Kamagi. He placed his shot well beyond the outstretched Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine.
Pirates pushed to restore their lead
While Riveiro is impressed with his charges who pushed to restore their lead in front of their home crowds, they were not sharp upfront.
Pirates were destined to bag their second goal and clinch a win but were denied clear-cut chances at goal throughout the game’s dying moments.
However, the hosts managed to try something following a corner deep in injury time when skipper Innocent Maela’s header was blocked by Boshoff.
In addition, the outstanding Boshoff would later stop Lesedi Kapinga’s low shot from close range as both sides settled for a point apiece.
Pirates remain fifth on the log table
Resulting from their failure to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered in the first round, Pirates remain unmoved at number five with 30 points from 19 games.
This was one of the frustrating outings for the Bucs as the match was their first home league game in Soweto against the PSL returnees since 2017.
Meanwhile, Pirates will now turn their focus to old rivals, Kaizer Chiefs whom they face in the Soweto Derby this weekend.
Related: Soweto Derby Ticket Prices 2024
For the visitors, Spurs are still rooted at the bottom of the log table with 11 points from 19 matches – they have eleven matches remaining to ensure they salvage their PSL status.
