Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United were forced to share the spoils after playing out to a 0-0 draw at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Buccaneers got off to the better start and should have broken the deadlock as early as the eighth minute when Thamsanqa Gabuza hit the side-netting with his effort at the far post.

Jeremy Brockie nearly handed SuperSport the lead three minutes later after Pirates failed to deal with the ball into the area, but the striker blasted his effort over the target.

The New Zealand striker came even closer to finding the net after 18 minutes, but he failed to curl his effort into the top corner.

SuperSport enjoyed a decent spell of possession in the Pirates area, but were unable to break down the Buccaneers defence.

Eric Tinkler’s side nearly went 1-0 up with 10 minutes to play until the end of the first half, but Brockie struck the woodwork with his effort.

Clayton Daniels missed a golden opportunity to score three minutes before halftime, but the defender blazed his effort over the crossbar from six yards out.

The visiting side came out with more intent in the second half and almost took the lead when Thuso Phalaguided his free-kick inches wide of the target from 25-yards out.

Pirates midfielder Thabiso Kutumela should’ve opened the scoring in the 62nd minute after latching on to a pass from Luvuyo Memela, but rattled the woodwork with his effort.

Mpho Makola came even closer in the 70th minute when he beat SuperSport keeper Reyaad Pieterse before steering his effort just wide of the target from close range.

Musa Nyatama had a chance to score the decisive goal three minutes from time when he found himself in some space, but he was unable to convert his effort.

Pirates should’ve put the game to bed in stoppage time when Sifiso Myeni saw his effort from distance sail wide of the target as both sides shared a point each at the Orlando Stadium.

In other Absa Premiership results: 

Cape Town City 2-4 Maritzburg United

Mamelodi Sundowns 4-0 Baroka

Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix