Orlando Pirates showcased their resilience in their second pre-season fixture in Spain, coming back to secure a 1-1 draw against Cypriot champions Pafos FC.
The match, played on Sunday, saw the Mighty Buccaneers demonstrate their resolve after a recent defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
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Early Setback and Mofokeng’s Magic
Looking to rebound, Pirates’ coach opted for squad rotation, giving starts to Deano Van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Kabelo Dlamini, and Yanela Mbuthuma.
However, the fresh lineup was caught off guard just six minutes in. A swift switch of play by Pafos found Joao Correa with space on the flank, and the attacker wasted no time, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.
The Buccaneers, however, responded admirably. Their equalizer arrived midway through the first half, courtesy of a moment of brilliance. New signing Oswin Appollis delivered a pinpoint cross-field pass, expertly finding Relebohile Mofokeng.
Showing composure beyond his years, Mofokeng cut in from the right wing and, from a tight angle, fired home with precision to level the score. The young forward’s clinical finish underscored his growing potential.
Pirates nearly took the lead before halftime when Sipho Mbule unleashed a powerful long-range effort, forcing a sharp save from the Pafos goalkeeper.
Second-Half Fight and Promising Youngsters
The break brought a raft of changes for Orlando Pirates, with Siyabonga Dladla replacing Sipho Chaine in goal, and Boitumelo Radiopane and Danis also being introduced.
These substitutions injected fresh energy into the squad, and Radiopane quickly made an impact, coming close with a shot on the turn that narrowly missed the target.
Despite further rotations from both sides throughout the half, the match remained an evenly contested affair. Pirates maintained periods of sustained possession, showing clear attacking intent, particularly in the latter stages.
They even threatened to snatch a winner in stoppage time, with a promising move involving Karim Kimvuidi and Tshepang Moremi ultimately fizzling out before they could convert.
Ultimately, Orlando Pirates will take significant positives from this performance as their pre-season preparations continue. The resilience shown in coming from behind, coupled with the impactful contributions of younger players like the impressive Mofokeng, bodes well for the upcoming season.