Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates missed out on fourth spot in the DStv Premiership after playing to goalless draw against Baroka FC on Thursday evening.
Pirates had a lively start and Deon Hotto should have given them the lead in the 17th minute after getting past goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke from a through ball but the Namibian winger failed to hit the target with the net gaping.
It was one-way traffic in the firts half, Kwame Peprah squandered a big chance on the half-hour mark with a free glancing header that sailed over the crossbar after a cross by Fortune Makaringe as the frustration began to show for the hosts.
Masuluke was a busy man as he pulled off a fine save to deny Ben Motshwari after the diminutive midfielder had unleashed a thunderous shot and his saves ensured that the score was 0-0 at the interval.
Siyabonga Mpontshane, who was untested in the first half, was called into action just after the restart. The Pirates keeper tipped Nhlanhla Ngaga’s curling attempt from a free-kick onto the crossbar and the hosts cleared their lines.
Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids introduced Kabelo Dlamini just after the hour-mark with the left-footed attacker having scored a late winning goal in Bucs’ previous home league game which they won 2-1 against Sekhukhune United on November 2.
Pirates upped the tempo in the final minutes of the game, but they found it difficult to get in behind the Bakgaga Ba Mphahlele’s tight defence.They resorted to long-range shots which saw attempts from Collins Makgaka, Makaringe and Dlamini being blocked in the box.
Baroka seemed ready to settle for a draw as they were defending in numbers which frustrated the Pirates attackers in the closing proceedings and ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw following a second-half which had no clear cut chances.
The point leaves Pirates in seventh position while Baroka moved up one spot into 13th position.
Other DSTV Premiership Results:
01 December 2021.
Marumo Gallants 3 – 1 TS Galaxy.