ORLANDO PIRATES MAINTAIN UNBEATEN STREAK IN SPAIN


Orlando Pirates played to a 1-1 draw with Spanish side Granada on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers opened the scoring at Banus Football Center with new signing Gilberto on target after 20 minutes.

But they were pegged back when Shon Weissman netted an equalizer just two minutes later.

It was a credible draw for the South African DStv Premiership side who started their Spanish pre-season tour with a 2-2 friendly draw with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle before defeating Sevilla 2-0.

They next face Qatari side Al-Sadd on Friday before heading back home.

Granada, who will play in the Segunda division after being relegated from La Liga last season, started the game on the front foot.

Sipho Chaine denied an early opener with a strong save from Miquel, on 11 minutes.

Sergio Ramos was next to be denied by a quick-thinking Chaine, and the save proved crucial as Gilberto fired the next chance home.

But Weissman pounced on a mistake in defence by Sandile Mthethwa to slot home his goal.

Both sides continued to create chances, while Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made 10 changes in the 61st minute to give more players a run.

Ultimately no one was able to affect the result as the game ended a goal apiece.