Orlando Pirates held by AmaZulu after missed chances in Durban

Orlando Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu FC on Wednesday as their winning start to the season came to an end, despite the Buccaneers dominating large periods of the match and creating enough opportunities to take all three points.

Pirates took the lead in the seventh minute through former AmaZulu winger Tshepang Moremi, who scored with a first-time finish from 12 yards. The goal was his second in as many league matches.

AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela was unable to hold Mbuthuma’s cross, allowing the ball to fall for Moremi, who made no mistake with the chance.

The early breakthrough gave Pirates control of the contest. AmaZulu, managed by Arthur Zwane, struggled to regain possession against their Soweto opponents, in a performance that recalled the sides’ meetings last season.

Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had little serious work to do during the opening half, while the visitors threatened to extend their advantage before the interval.

However, AmaZulu were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Kamogelo Sebelebele fouled Mondli Mbanjwa inside the box. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya converted from the spot in the 48th minute to bring the hosts level at the break.

Pirates continued to dictate proceedings after half-time, but AmaZulu maintained their approach despite having found an equaliser shortly before the interval.

With the game approaching its final quarter, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a double change. Oswin Appollis, Deon Hotto and pacey winger Kabelo Kgositsile were introduced for Moremi, Ndaba and Sebelebele for the final 25 minutes in Durban.

The visitors were also forced to cope with an injury to midfielder Sihle Nduli. He was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Ngwenya, which went unpunished by the referee.

Pirates continued to search for a winner, but AmaZulu held firm. Boitumelo Radiopane came closest in the closing stages when his header, inside the final 10 minutes, was turned away by Mzimela.

The result means Pirates could not follow up their victory over Durban City in the MTN8 at the weekend with another win. New signing Ghampani Lungu was rewarded with his first start of the season after scoring the match-winning goal against Durban City, while Appollis began on the bench.

AmaZulu had been taken to extra time in their previous match, but Zwane’s side showed enough resilience to secure a point against a Pirates team that had looked the stronger side for much of the night.