Orlando Pirates produced a blunt display as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Golden Arrows on Wednesday evening while, in the earlier game, Swallows FC scored a late equaliser to earn a point against Stellenbosch.
Pirates stuck with the same team who won 2-0 against JS Saoura in the Caf Confederations Cup, looking to close the gap on league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who dropped points against Baroka on Monday.
Despite a positive start from both sides, chances were proving hard to come by with Deon Hotto’s blazing shot over the bar – and Nduduzo Sibiya’s post-shaving free kick – the only real action in the first stanza.
The Sea Robbers looked to push forward at the start of the second half and another opening came for Hotto, but this time his effort was blocked after Makhubela let it run through his legs.
Pirates eventually turned to the bench and substitute Kabelo Dlamini almost made an immediate impact as he combined with Hotto on the edge of the box, but his first-time shot was kept out by Gumede.
Gumede was summoned to action again as Lepasa flicked a header goal-bound but the Abafana Bes’thende keeper made a great diving save to keep the scores level.
Arrows had a fantastic opportunity for a smash-and-grab late on as Saziso Magawana beat his man down the left and fired the ball into the box for Siboniso Cele, but Cele couldn’t provide a finish with the pass just behind him.
A much-livelier second half still couldn’t produce any goals as both team were forced to settle for a draw.
Meanwhile, in the earlier game, Swallows struck in the dying stages to rescue a 1-1 draw at Stellenbosch.
The home side took advantage of the familiar windy conditions early on as they took the lead with nine minutes played, as Juan Ortiz whipped in the free kick which was met by Zitha Macheke who expertly glanced his header into the bottom-right corner.
Swallows looked to be drifting towards another defeat but in the last minute of the game they grabbed a leveller as Letlabika put the ball in the back of the net after Siphesihle Mbhele’s header was flicked on from a corner.
The point takes Stellies into second and Swallows move up to 15th in the standings.
