In a hard-fought encounter, Orlando Pirates fought back to secure a point in a 1-1 drawagainst AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership fixture this Saturday afternoon.
Coach Riveiro made three adjustments to the starting side that faced SuperSport United, bringing back Sipho Chaine, Deano Van Rooyen, and Relebohile Mofokeng.
AmaZulu posed an early threat when defender Sandile Mthethwa's 11th-minute header, aimed at the bottom corner, was expertly kept out by Chaine.
An injury to Mbekezeli Mbokazi necessitated a first-half substitution for Pirates, bringing on Tapelo Xoki.
MBOKAZI’S FORCED CHANGE
This early change didn't disrupt the Buccaneers' flow, however, as they nearly broke the deadlock when Maswanganyi's effort, set up by Van Rooyen, narrowly missed the target from the right side of the box.
As the half progressed, Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa also had chances to put Pirates ahead but were unable to convert.
The first half concluded goalless after Mohau Nkota missed a clear chance just before the whistle, pushing a through ball well wide of the target.
AmaZulu started the second half slowly, making a forced change in goal five minutes in, with Richard Ofori making way for Andile Mbanjwa.
Despite the restart, scoring opportunities were scarce, though Thembela Sikhakhane's attempt from a corner-kick sailed wide
AmaZulu found a stroke of luck in the closing stages when Maswanganyi inadvertently diverted Tshepang Moremi’s goal-bound effort into his own net, giving the hosts the lead.
However, Pirates refused to concede defeat, finding their equalizer in the final ten minutes as Simphiwe Selepe smartly finished a cross into the area.
Moremi then had a teasing attempt from a promising position to restore AmaZulu's advantage, but his shot was parried, leaving the clash all square.
