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Pirates held by Highlands, Ajax edge Arrows

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Tendai Ndoro of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the Absa Premiership 2016/17 football match between Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 13 September 2016 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates and Highlands Park were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw, while Ajax Cape Town claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in the Absa Premiership on Saturday evening.

The Buccaneers got off to a good start in the opening exchanges and scored inside the first minute when Tendai Ndoro rose well to head the ball into the back of the net from a Luvuyo Memela cross.

The Lions of the North’s first chance came in the 15th minute but Edwin Sitayitayi’s effort went wide of the upright.

Highlands should’ve levelled matters in the 29th minute when Eddie Ngalo’s header effort just missed the target from six yards out.

Gordon Igesund’s side were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Justice Chabalala brought down Sitayitayi. Khuboni stepped up and was spot on from the spot kick to make it 1-1.

However, the Buccaneers were awarded a penalty of their own in the 57th minute when Koena handled the ball in the box. This time Ndoro converted the spot kick to restore his side’s lead.

The Buccaneers were dealt a major blow in the 69th minute when Nyauza was substituted by Thembela Sikhakhane after being injured.

The Lions of the North then drew level again for the second time in the 80th minute. Substitute Lindokuhle Mbatha unleashed a thumping effort, blazing into the top corner to beat Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo to make it 2-2.

However, both sides couldn’t find the winning goal and were forced to settle for a point each at the Orlando Stadium.

Meanwhile, Ajax Cape Town continued their winning ways after securing a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in their Absa Premiership clash at Athlone Stadium.

Ajax veteran striker Nathan Paulse scored the only goal of the game when the Urban Warriors were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute. Paulse stepped up and had his spot kick saved by the Arrows shot-stopper, but he reacted quickly to tap the ball into the back of the net from the rebound.

The Urban Warriors claimed their third consecutive victory in the Absa Premiership and Stanely Manzo’s side walked away with all three points.