Ayanda Patosi scored a second-half double as Cape Town City came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday evening.
City were in full confidence after securing a spot in the MTN8 final but came crashing back to earth as they suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs in their last league fixture to continue their up-and-down start to the Absa Premiership campaign.
READ: Benni will become a good coach – Solinas
Pirates, on the other hand, look to be recovering from their rocky start after winning two in a row, beating Black Leopards and SuperSport United, as they continue to climb the table.
Each side won their home fixtures 1-0 last season and Pirates were looking for another home victory to keep up with the early pace-setters while City were looking for a confidence-booster ahead of their MTN8 cup final against SuperSport.
The Sea Robbers started the game on the front foot and took the lead with just eight minutes played. Thembinkosi Lorch caught the City defence napping with a long ball over the top, picking out the run of Augustine Mulenga who squeezed his shot inside the post.
It did not take Milutin Sredojevic’s team long to double their lead when Innocent Maela rose highest at a corner to head past Peter Leeuwenburgh in the City goal.
ALSO READ: Five things learned from Chiefs’ win against FS Stars
Pirates were in control and almost got a third but Lorch’s ferocious volley was on the wrong side of the upright.
City needed a big second half and found a way back into the game courtesy of a stunning Patosi strike with 68 minutes played. The ball dropped to the forward on the edge of the Pirates box; he brilliantly controlled it with his chest before striking a stunning volley past the outreaching Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The Citizens then completed the turnaround on 76 minutes with Patosi again grabbing the goal. This time, the forward struck a venomous free kick that came through the crowd before drifting past Mpontshane.
Pirates then went in search of a winner but it was to no avail as the side from Cape Town managed to hold on for a draw and a vital away point.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
