Orlando Pirates conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 against TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership encounter at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors, TS Galaxy, were quick off the blocks, posing questions to a resolute Pirates defence who managed to manage the early threats without allowing for a shot to be taken.
In the 3rd minute, Tshegofastso Mabasa hit the side netting following the first corner of the match, with the next wayward attempt coming in the 11th minute as The Rockets’ Khayelihle Mncube volleyed wide.
Bucs’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was soon brought into action, making an easy save to deny Kamogelo Sebelebele’s attempt.
The rest of the first half produced minimal chances, with the closest attempt coming from a deflected Deon Hotto free-kick in the 33rd minute, which was dealt with by Ira Tape.
The second half began with a surprising substitution, as Bucs’ interim head coach Mandla Ncikazi introduced goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi to replace Sipho Chaine, but besides a lively restart, the action on the field failed to create clear chances for either side.
AmaBhakaniya then started to increase the tempo, leading to two attempts at goal in quick succession from Patrick Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini, both going wide of the target.
However, Pirates managed to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with Bandile Shandu bagging his second goal in consecutive matches following good work from winger Mohau Nkota.
Both teams rang the changes from the bench, including TS Galaxy’s introduction of former Bafana Bafana star Keagan Dolly and a debut to Bucs midfielder Thuso Moleleki, however, few real chances were created as the Soweto giants tried to diligently close out the result to ensure the three points remain Esigodini (Orlando Stadium).
However, following a good strike by Deon Hotto that was kept out by TS Galaxy goalkeeper Tape in the 86th minute, the host went to sleep, allowing Victor Lestoalo to have an injury-time point-blank header, which was well kept out by substitute Buthelezi.
The visitors did not give up and were duly rewarded when Mpho Mvelase popped up in the fourth minute of injury time to deny the hosts the victory and share the spoils.
The result sees Pirates move to 56 points after 25 matches played in the Betway Premiership this season, six more than they accumulated by the end of the 2023/24 season.