Orlando Pirates wanted star Relebohile Mofokeng scored as his side continued their pre-season preparations in Cyprus, playing to a 1-1 draw against Pafos FC on Sunday afternoon.
Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou showed continued faith in midfielder Sipho Mbule, while also handing first starts on tour to fellow new signings Oswin Appollis and Yanele Mbuthuma, indicating their growing integration into the squad.
The Cypriot side landed an early blow, taking the lead just six minutes into the match. Joao Correia was expertly slipped through on the left side of the box, clinically firing his shot past Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
However, the Soweto giants quickly regrouped, finding their equaliser in the 25th minute. Youngster Mofokeng displayed excellent footwork, skillfully skipping past his marker inside the box before calmly placing a left-footed finish into the far corner.
This crucial goal came courtesy of a superb pass from the impressive new signing, Appollis, showcasing immediate synergy.
PIRATES FINISHED FIRST HALF WITH RENEWED MOMENTUM
The Buccaneers finished the first half with renewed momentum, significantly improving on their start. They enjoyed a sustained period of possession in the final ten minutes, with Mbule and Kabelo Dlamini both testing the Pafos FC goalkeeper with efforts from distance.
Ouaddou made three tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, Cemran Dansin, and Boitumelo Radiopane for Chaine, Mbule, and Mbuthuma respectively.
Radiopane wasted no time in trying to make an impact, coming close to giving Pirates the lead just before the hour mark with a neat turn in the box, though his effort narrowly missed the upright.
As the second half progressed, more substitutions were introduced, with Tshepang Moremi, Karim Kimvuidi, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Lebone Seema all getting valuable minutes on the pitch.
