Orlando Pirates played to a 0-0 draw against Golden Arrows in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Pirates looked superior in the opening exchanges, but failed to make their lions share of possession count.

Thabo Matlaba had the first effort on target when he unleashed a rocket in the 12th minute, which goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede brilliantly palmed away.

Arrows were content with getting behind the ball and playing on the break, but struggled to do so due to Pirates’ defensive organisation.

Thabo Qalinge sprung into life in the 27th minute when he got the better of a few defenders before making his way into the area, before his eventual shot was saved.

Arrows had their first effort at goal in the 40th minute when left back Zolani Nkombelo fired in a thunderous effort which was well-kept out by Jackson Mabokgwane

The second half continued in similar vein to the first with the home side doing all the attacking, but struggling to deliver the final pass in the area or finish.

Milutin Sredojevic made all three changes in a bid to up his sides attacking tempo, introducing Thabiso Kutumela, Luvuyo Memela and Bernard Morrison for Thamsanqa Gabuza, Marc van Heerden and Bernard Morrison respectively.

For all their attacking efforts, Pirates failed to penetrate a resilient Arrows defence, who appeared content with playing for a draw.

The visitors got their wish as they played to a goalless draw.

Pirates XI: 16. Mabokgwane, 19. Chabalala, 6. Shitolo, 36. Van Heerden, 34. Nyauza, 8. Matlaba, 14. Nyatama, 15. Qalinge, 3. Lorch, 5. Makola, 31. Gabuza.

Arrows XI: 32. N. Gumede, 21. Mngwengwe, 5. Mzava, 14. Dube, 8. Cele, 2. Nkombelo, 25. Sibiya, 6. Shongwe, 11. Mahachi, 27. Magubane, 19. Mutizwa.

Photo: Muzii Ntombela/Backpagepix