Pirates pay the price for missed chances after stalemate with AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC cancelled each other out in a 1-1 stalemate in a Betway Premiership clash at a chilly Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Tshepang Moremi opened the scoring for the visitors, but a penalty from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya ensured AmaZulu earned a share of the points.

The Buccaneers made two adjustments to their lineup, with Sihle Nduli and Ghampani Lungu replacing Thalente Mbatha and Oswin Appollis. The hosts also made a pair of changes, as Sandile Mthethwa and Siyanda Hlangabeza came in for Keegan Allan and Gape Moralo.

Pirates score early but miss more chances

It was Pirates who struck first, taking an early lead when Tshepang Moremi pounced on a rebound to score after the AmaZulu goalkeeper had parried Yanela Mbuthuma’s initial close-range shot.

Usuthu initially found it difficult to create clear-cut chances, but Mbuthuma nearly doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 21st minute, only for his shot from the edge of the area to be blocked by the home defence.

☠️ FT | @AmaZuluFootball 1 – 1 @orlandopirates

🥅 Moremi 7'

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/aNeGJHhSnL

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 12, 2026

As the half wore on, AmaZulu began to show more attacking intent, though they struggled to penetrate the organised Pirates backline. They thought they had levelled the score when Mlondi Mbanjwa found the net, but the assistant referee’s flag cut their celebrations short for an offside infringement.

AmaZulu restore parity from the spot

However, AmaZulu were handed a lifeline just before halftime when Kamogelo Sebelebele brought down Mbanjwa inside the penalty area. Ngwenya stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, sending the teams into the interval on level terms.

The home side emerged for the second half with renewed vigour, looking to build on their late equaliser. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams battling for control in the midfield.

Pirates started to look more dangerous as the match progressed, particularly after introducing key playmaker Oswin Appollis from the bench. Despite this, it was AmaZulu who almost took the lead in the 69th minute, but Ngwenya’s shot from a well-constructed attack flew just wide of the post.

The best chance of the half fell to Pirates’ Mbuthuma, who had a golden opportunity to restore his team’s lead, but his close-range effort struck the woodwork before the AmaZulu defence scrambled the ball clear. With no further goals, the match ended in a draw.