More frustration for Pirates as Baroka hold on for draw

You are currently viewing More frustration for Pirates as Baroka hold on for draw
Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates challenges Bonginkosi Makume of Baroka FC

Orlando Pirates extended their winless streak to five games following a 1-1 draw with Baroka in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday evening.

Pirates came into the game looking for their first win and first goal since the resumption of the league after two 0-0 draws with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

Baroka got their campaign back under way with a goalless draw with AmaZulu at the weekend and were desperate for any sort of result to assist in their relegation battle.

Pirates started the game well and looked to settle on the ball quickly and dictate the pace of the game.

It didn’t take them long to take the lead as Gabadinho Mhango went on a run down the left flank, but after dribbling past three defenders he lost the ball. But, Thamsanqa Masiya’s short back pass was intercepted by Tshegofatso Mabasa who coolly slotted past Elvis Chipezeze into the far corner from a tight angle – 16 minutes gone and Pirates finally breaking their four-game goal drought.

Baroka responded well as Masiya, looking to rectify his earlier mistake, made a great surging run down the right-hand side but his cross from the byline was punched away by Wayne Sandilands.

Pirates then looked to double their lead with 10 minutes to play in the half when Vincent Pule let fly from range, but his effort was well saved by Chipezeze.

A minute later the score was levelled when Mhango was dispossessed, allowing Bakgaga to break forward on the counter-attack down the right-hand side. Masiya was involved again as he played a one-two with Gerald Phiri Jnr before whipping the ball into the near post for Evidence Makgopa to finish.

Replay showed that the Baroka forward was offside, but with the referee failing to lift his flag the goal stood.

It was 1-1 at the break with all to play for in the second half.

Josef Zinnbauer turned to the subs bench just after the break as he brought on Thembinkhosi Lorch and Nkanyiso Zungu. The duo were getting on the ball as Pirates looked to apply pressure but Baroka were proving to be resilient at the back.

Pirates continued to dominate but were restricted to long-range efforts for much of the second half. Dylan Kerr’s team saw off the pressure to hold on for a vital point in their survival bid, while Pirates saw another two points slip away.

The Sea Robbers are now winless in five matches as their struggles since the resumption continue.