Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu in an enthralling Absa Premiership encounter on Saturday evening, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Coming into the game, Pirates were looking to bounce back from the 0-0 midweek draw against Golden Arrows, where the Buccaneers failed to reclaim top spot in the league.
AmaZulu, on the other hand, were recently hit by a six-point deduction due to an unpaid fine after a Fifa sanction which saw them rooted to the bottom of the log. Usuthu were also without a win in four games, highlighting the importance of picking up a result against the Soweto giants.
Last season, the two teams drew 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium in the first-round clash, before Pirates won 2-1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in the reverse fixture, setting up the clash in Durban perfectly.
Pirates started the game on the front foot and it did not take them long to hit the front after Thembinkosi Lorch slipped Augustine Mulenga through on goal, the Zambian composed himself before providing a neat finish to give his side the lead with 13 minutes played.
AmaZulu responded well to going a goal behind and after a good period of play, Usuthu fashioned their first opening, but Emiliano Tade failed to hit the target.
As the half drew to a close, Pirates looked to double their lead but Linda Mntambo and Justin Shonga could not take advantage of their openings.
Immediately after the break, Cavin Johnson got the perfect response from his side as they drew level in the 49th minute. The ball was played into the box, finding an unmarked Tade who sorted his feet out before stroking the ball past Jackson Mabokgwane in the Pirates goal.
Both sides then traded golden chances as first Shonga missed a one-on-one for Pirates and then Bongi Ntuli missed for Usuthu with only Mabokgwane to beat.
Minutes later, Shonga went close again as he hit the upright after diving in at the back post to make contact with a wonderful cross.
Both sides continued to push forward in search of a winner, but neither could find a way through as the game finished level at 1-1.
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