The two teams are preparing for new season ahead of their respective leagues in the 2024/25 campaign
Premier Soccer League side Orlando Pirates played to a 2-2 draw with Wayne Rooney's Championship side Plymouth Argyle on Friday night at the Banus Football Center in Marbella, Spain.
In the opening exchanges, both teams were guilty of missing some good chances to get the ball in the back of the net. Goalkeepers also played their part, pulling up some good stops to deny the attackers.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 39th minute. A good ball from the right by Monnapule Saleng was not cleared, ending up on the feet of Bafana Bafana international striker Evidence Makgopa who smashed the ball past the custodian.
Bucs' happiness was short-lived as the Championship outfit responded barely a minute later. Poor defending allowed the ball into the Buccaneers' danger zone, and despite Sipho Chaine's excellent save, the rebound fell on 17-year-old Frederick Issaka who had no problem getting his name on the scoresheet.
Bulky defender Ndah gives Bucs half-time lead
However, three minutes to the break, towering Nigerian Olisa Ndah restored Jose Riveiro-led side's lead in the 42nd minute with a cool finish from 12 yards, after a well-taken corner ball.
Two minutes after the pause, Thabiso Monyane brought down Issaka in the danger zone. Melusi Buthelezi, who had replaced Chaine in Pirates' goal, held his nerves to guess correctly to deny Ryan Hardie.
Rooney's team continued pushing for an equaliser which was delivered in the 63rd minute. A good cross from the left side caught the Bucs defenders napping, giving Callum Wright the easiest job, tapping the ball into an empty net from a yard out.
Hotto saves Pirates, Mabasa wastes huge chance
It could have been easily 3-2 in favour of the English side five minutes later, but Namibia international Deon Hotto saved Buthelezi's blushes after clearing a goal-bound effort from Wright.
Tshegofatso Mabasa should have done better when presented with an opportunity in the 87th minute, but he couldn't hit the target as his effort came off the upright with the keeper well beaten. At the end of it all, spoils were shared.
Bucs will now play their second game on Monday, July 15 against Sevilla as Plymouth tackle Cheltenham Town.
