Bucs Reserves Share Spoils with Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw by Sekhukhune United in their DStv Diski Challenge fixture at Rand Stadium on Saturday morning.

With only three points separating the top five teams, the Bucs Reserves went into the clash looking for three points in a bid to potentially summit the standings.

They emerged unscathed from a brief period of dominance vollefrom the visitors before quickly finding their feet in the contest.

The opener could have come as early as the ninth minute when fullback Senzelumusa Sibiya connected with an excellent cross delivered by Mohau Nkota on the right, drawing a save from Sekhukhune keeper Tokollo Makgolane.

The Buccaneers had a nervy moment of their own six minutes later, as the woodwork kept out what looked like a sure goal from Samukele Sihlali.

The middle part of the first half presented few opportunities at both ends save from a direct free kick from Nkota, which was punched away by Makgolane.

The Babina Noko shot-stopper was the busier of the two keepers as the break approached, keeping out a close range shot volleyed by Mehluleli Maphumulo. 

He however had no answer for Nkota’s clever finish on the stroke of halftime after going one-on-one with the Bucs winger, who placed the ball out of his reach for the opener.

Pirates looked to continue in their ascendancy at the start of the second period, firing at goal through captain Kgwadi Molepo whose long-range effort was dragged off target.

It was however Sekhukhune who were able to make the most of a rare attacking opportunity in the 51st minute, as they stretched the defence out wide to allow an easy tap-in for Sihlali down the middle.

In trying to restore their lead, the hosts surged forward and were almost rewarded as Lulama Nxumalo’s 70th minute effort went narrowly wide. 

Sibiya went even closer just moments later, with his shot striking the upright after some neat work inside the box from Sibusiso Magadla.

Further chances fell for Nxumalo and Calvin Chibwe, who both could not find the target before the Bucs defence foiled the visitors as they launched a last-gasp attack in search of a late winner.

There was to be no dramatic finish in the end as the two sides were forced to share the spoils, with the Bucs Reserves dropping points for the first time at home this season.

Pirates Reserves XI: Monyepao, Mbokazi, Magugwana, Mokone, Sibiya, Molepo, Chibwe, Masemola (Selepe 63’), Nkota, Mdunge (Magadla 55’), Maphumulo (Nxumalo 63’).

 

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