Orlando Pirates were forced to settle for a point after playing to a 1-1 draw with Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Buccaneers got off to the perfect start as they took the lead in the 13th minute when Happy Jele headed the ball home after latching on to a cross from Vincent Pule.

Thabo Nodada looked to level matters in the 18th minute when he tried to create space for himself to get the shot away, but Paseka Mako made a great save to nullify the threat.

Pirates produced another opportunity in the 22nd minute after Pule tried to find Mabasa with a curling pass inside the area, but the City keeper got to the ball first.

The home side nearly levelled matters on the half-hour mark, but City captain Thamsanqa Mkhize headed his effort wide of goal from close range.

Hugo was called into action eight minutes later when he produced a fine save to deny Dzvukamanja, who only had the keeper to beat while, at the other end, Mpontshane produced a fine save to deny Mdantsane’s curling effort as the game went into the half-time break 1-0 in favour of Pirates.

The Buccaneers opted to bring on fresh legs early in the second half when they introduced Fortune Makaringe in place of Mabaso.

The home side were then awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute when Pirates were adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Mduduzi Mdantsane stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick.

Makaringe should’ve made it 2-1 four minutes later but fired his effort inches wide of the target after some great interplay with Dzvukamanja.

The visitors made their second substitution in the 68th minute when Dzvukamanja was taken off and replaced by Kabelo Dlamini before bringing on Deon Hotto for Mabasa three minutes later, while introducing Thulani Hlatshwayo to replace Olisa Ndah in the 76th minute.

City pressed forward in the closing stages as they looked for the winning goal, but were unable to find the back of the net as both teams settled for a point each in Cape Town.