Orlando Pirates were left rueing missed opportunities after playing to a 1-1 draw in their Betway Premiership fixture against AmaZulu at Kings Park on Wednesday.
The point earned on the night took the Buccaneers’ tally to four after two games in the 2026/27. They remain second on the standings with another fixture lined up at the same venue on the weekend.
The tricky underfoot conditions took some getting used to early on with Pirates surviving an early scare as Mlondi Mbanjwa’s headed flick was deflected away from goal following an AmaZulu corner in the third minute. It did not take too long for the Buccaneers to adapt however, and their first foray into opposition territory yielded the desired result as they took an early lead.
Former Usuthu man Tshepang Moremi produced the breakthrough against his old side, following a Yanela Mbuthuma shot parried into his direction by goalkeeper Faveur Kouassi. The winger needed no second invitation as he pounced on the loose ball, turning it into the net for his second of the campaign.
In response, the home side did manage the odd surge forward but it was the visitors who had most of the first-half opportunities. Mbuthuma and Gamphani Lungu each had a couple of opportunities to double the lead, but neither player could locate the target.
The missed chances would haunt the Buccaneers with seconds remaining before the break as a rare box entry from Usuthu led to a penalty when Kamogelo Sebelebele was penalised for a challenge on Mbanjwa. The scores were soon level as Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya made no mistake in converting from the spot.
Things took a physical turn early into the second half with Pirates forced into an early change when midfielder Sihle Nduli landed on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Ngwenya. Further changes were made as time wore on, and the fresh legs brought on an extra spring to the step as the visitors continued their pursuit of the winner.
Oswin Appollis had an opportunity moments after his introduction, but his effort from outside the box was directed straight at Kouassi. It was followed by an even closer call from Mbuthuma, whose shot from point-blank range was guided to the crossbar by the Ivorian shot-stopper.
Pirates continued to attack relentlessly with replacement striker Boitumelo Radiopane finding Kouassi’s gloves with a header from inside the box after connecting with an inviting cross from Patrick Maswanganyi in the 81st minute.
The closing moments were marked by desperate efforts to find a winner at each end, with Bucs skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi putting his body on the line to direct Langelihle Mhlongo’s effort out of play. Omega Mdaka made a similar intervention at the opposite end as he kept Lungu’s last-gasp attempt away from the Usuthu goal.
The late breakthrough stayed elusive with the deadlock remaining unbroken, forcing a share of the spoils as Pirates kicked off their weeklong stay in Durban with a frustrating outing.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Sibisi, Sebelebele (Kgositsile 54’), Ndaba (Hotto 64’), Nduli (Mokobodi 54’), Dansin, Maswanganyi, Lungu, Moremi (Appollis 64’), Mbuthuma (Radiopane 77’).
