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Orlando Pirates’ title charge hit a stumbling block as they were forced to settle for a point after playing to a 0-0 draw in their Betway Premiership clash against Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The point earned from the encounter meant that the Buccaneers moved two points off the summit, while victory would have placed one hand firmly on the title. It’s a result that amplifies the significance of next week’s season-ending fixture, making it a must-win encounter.
Playing in front of a sell-out crowd at home for one last time in the 2025/26 season, the Soweto Giants were quick to assert their dominance as they pinned their visitors deep inside their half. They had their first shot at goal as early as the second minute when Oswin Appollis tested Fredrick Asare with a stinging effort from range, with the shot-stopper diving to his left to make a save.
The pressure was kept on City throughout the opening quarter, but clear opportunities were kept to a minimum as the defence held firm. A succession of long-range efforts followed, with Asare making another save to deny Relebohile Mofokeng in the 26th minute just before Kamogelo Sebelebele went wide with his attempt.
The first half did not finish without any setbacks for the Buccaneers, who were forced into an early change when striker Yanela Mbuthuma limped off in the 38th minute. That did not halt their momentum however, as they continued to attack with Thalente Mbatha denied on two occasions with the halftime whistle approaching.
After a bright finish to the first period, Pirates looked to make their opportunities count in the second with Mbatha picking up where he left off. The midfielder provided the first chance after the break, but directed his first-time effort from range narrowly wide. Mofokeng followed up with an attempt from a set piece in the 54th minute when he managed to force Asare low to his right to make a save.
They continued to pepper the Durbanites’ goal with shots as Appollis went wide with a volley from close range moments before he was denied by the visiting shot-stopper.
With the clock winding down, there was no shift in momentum as the home side remained on the hunt. Mofokeng and Appollis continued to ask questions of Asare, with replacement winger Tshepang Moremi also joining the party late in the contest.
It was the Ghanaian shot-stopper who came out top on each occasion, summing up an increasingly frustrating afternoon for the Buccaneers. The disappointing result was confirmed as the final whistle sounded soon after, adding another twist to what has been a rollercoaster race for Premiership honours.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Sibisi, Sebelebele, Hotto (Ndaba 82’), Selepe (Mariko 69’), Mbatha, Maswanganyi (Moremi 69’), Appollis, Mofokeng, Mbuthuma (Makgopa 38’).
SORCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.