Orlando Pirates drop points at Baroka

Orlando Pirates were forced to settle for a point after they were held to a goalless draw by Baroka FC at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday evening.

Bakgaga got off to a bright start and nearly took the lead but Richard Ofori made a fine save to deny Manuel Kambala.

Tshegofatso Mabasa had a chance to hand Pirates the lead in the 17th minute after he connected with a pass from Siphesihle Ndlovu to get behind the defence but, before he could get his shot away, he was flagged for offside.

Ndlovu had a chance of his own in the 22nd minute after a good touch but the Buccaneers midfielder fired his effort narrowly wide of target.

Pirates had the ball into the back of the net five minutes later when Goodman Mosele slotted it home after pouncing on a rebound, but the attacker was offside.

Deon Hotto should’ve handed Pirates the lead in the 37th minute when he cut inside from the left before unleashing a shot at goal, which deflected out for a corner.

Neither side could break the deadlock after 45 minutes of play as the game went into the half-time break locked at 0-0.

Ofori saved his side’s blushes early in the second half when he made a terrific save after Baroka stole possession, trying to play the ball out from the back.

The Pirates keeper was called into action again in the 50th minute when he made a comfortable save to deny Sithole’s powerful free kick.

Mako had a chance to break the deadlock in the 63rd minute after making a fine run in behind the defence, but the Pitates fullback couldn’t strike the ball properly before Jooste dragged his effort wide four minutes later.

The Buccaneers continued to push forward after the 70th minute with Peprah attacking, but he headed his effort wide after receiving a pass from Lorch.

There was a delay after a power failure in the 76 minute but play was resumed on 82 minutes.

Both teams pressed forward in the closing stages in search of the winning goal, but neither could find the back of the net for the spoils to be shared at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.