Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates played to a goalless draw 0-0 with SuperSport United in a match which they dominated at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday evening.
Despite his side having claimed a 1-0 win over Royal AM on Wednesday, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made changes to the starting line-up. The Spanish tactician recalled Vincent Pule and Tapelo Xoki to the starting line-up as club captain Innocent Maela and talisman Thembinkpso Lorch were surprisingly dropped to the bench.
SuperSport produced the first attempt of the match when Thapelo Maseko whipped in a cross from the left-hand flank, however, Bradley Grobler failed to get enough on the ball with a glancing header.
With 10 minutes on the clock, Pirates got a feel for the ball and looked to stamp their authority on the game by means of the possession count.
In the 13th minute, Pirates nearly capitalised on a mistake made by George Chigova, who failed to clear a back pass made by Thulani Hlatshwayo. Chigova was chased down by Deon Hotto, who blocked a pass inside the 18-yard-area. The ball went behind for a corner, however, the Buccaneers were unable to capitalise on the goalkeeper’s error.
With the half-hour mark on the horizon, the Soweto giants saw more of the ball and looked comfortable in warding off the Matsatsantsa attacks.
Vincent Pule had a go at Chigova’s goal in the 34th minute and unleashed a powerful shot of which he parried behind for a corner kick. Pirates continued to search for an opener and looked like the more efficient side at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.
The referee called time on the first 45 minutes with the score tied at 0-0, as neither side could make their attacking plays count.
Pirates were first out of the blocks after the restart, creating a number of goalscoring opportunities with slick passing sequences inside the SuperSport half.
With an hour played at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, SuperSport had to contend with numerous attacks by the likes of Pule and Bienvenu Eva Nga. In a response, the Tshwane club attempted to string passes together but were blunt in the final third.
In what was a golden opportunity for SuperSport late on in the tie, second-half substitute Thamsanqa Gabuza fluffed his lines in front of an open net, much to the frustration of coach Gavin Hunt.
Victor Gomes called time on the encounter in what was a frustrating evening for both outfits, who failed to convert their chances.
Despite the draw, Pirates moved up to the third spot in the league standings and they will now host Marumo Gallants on Wednesday. SuperSport climbed out of the relegation zone as they are now placed 14th on the standings and they are scheduled to face Richards Bay away on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Royal AM and Marumo Gallants recorded a 2-2 draw in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon, with Ricardo Nascimento rescuing a point for his side in the dying moments of the game at the Chatsworth Stadium.