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Pirates draw in PSL opener

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Orlando Pirates vs Highlands Park

Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands conceded a howler as Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against Highlands Park in their 2018-19 Absa Premiership opening clash, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The Soweto giants will be looking to put an end to their six-year league trophy drought after facing the newly promoted National First Division champions.

Pirates made nine new signings ahead of the season: goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, Vincent Pule, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Asavela Mbekile, Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Linda Mntambo, Abel Mabaso and Paseka Mako, with Pule and Mako being handed their debuts.

The clash got off to a high-tempo start with both teams displaying their hunger to fight for the ball. A midfield battle ensued with Musa Nyatama and Xola Mlambo pulling strings in the middle of the park for the home side.

A horrendous error from goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands gifted the Lions of the North the lead when the former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper failed to control a routine backpass, which landed in the back of the net.

The Sea Robbers upped their tempo in search of a goal with wing Pule proving particularly threatening to the Highlands defence.

The former Bidvest Wits wing came agonisingly close to levelling matters on two occasions before the break, with his first effort cannoning off the crossbar, while the second went narrowly wide with the keeper well beaten.

Pirates signalled their intent on grabbing the equaliser and should have done so immediately after the restart, but defender Innocent Maela failed to direct his header goalwards, despite being unmarked in the area.

Micho opted for the first change of the game as striker Justin Shonga entered the fray for Thembinkosi Lorch in the 56th minute. The move paid dividends as Pirates went level five minutes later when Shonga netted a penalty won by Augustine Mulenga.

Kudakwashe Mahachi came on for his official Pirates debut in the 67th minute as he replaced Mako.

Pirates threw everything forward in search of the winner, but failed to find a way past a resilient Highlands Park outfit as the two teams were forced to settle for a point each.