Orlando Pirates’ run halted by determined Richards Bay to give Sundowns an advantage in PSL race

Published on by

Orlando Pirates’ run halted by determined Richards Bay to give Sundowns an advantage in PSL race
Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates vs Richards Bay

Orlando Pirates‘ bid to beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the Premier Soccer League title this season suffered a blow after a 2-2 draw against Richards Bay at uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday night.

Bucs came into the match aware that victory was all they needed to overtake Masandawana who are in Tunisia to play Esperance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final.

Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows
Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows

For the Natal Rich Boys, a win was needed to boost their chances of ensuring they play in the MTN8 next season. Furthermore, they wanted to avenge the 2-0 loss suffered in the initial meeting.

Gumede shocks Orlando Pirates

As expected, it was the visitors who started the game well but the Natal Rich Boys did enough to take the pressure and hit them on counter attack. However, it was the Sea Robbers who looked the most likely to score.

The hosts won a foul in the final third, which was played in well, but Bucs defenders failed to deal with it, eventually finding its way to Simphiwe Mcineka who teed up Thulani Gumede for unstoppable shot from outside the area.

In the 17th minute, Thalente Mbatha’s stinger from 30 yards was parried to safety by Kenya international Ian Otieno. The resulting corner bore no fruits as Richards Bay dealt with the danger effectively.

Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosinathi Sibisi had massive chances to score an equaliser, but good goalkeeping from Otieno as well as lack of composure ensured Richards Bay went to the break with a 1-0 lead.

Pirates show title credentials

The Soweto giants responded seven minutes after the break courtesy of Appollis, who capitalised on poor defending to control a long ball from Relebohile before beating Otieno to level matters.

In the 60th minute, Richards bay reclaimed their lead again with another bullet from outside the area. A ball to the Pirates goal was blocked by Lundi Mahala, creating space for Lindokuhle Zikhali whose effort gave Chaine no chance.

When it looked like Richards Bay had done enough to deny the Sea Robbers, Lebone Seema got the ball just outside the 18 yard area. With no one closing on him, the centre-back took his chance to make it 2-2.

The draw means the Buccaneers are on 55 points, one less than leaders Sundowns, who have played a game in hand.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

You May Also Like