By Michael Madyira
10-man Pirates frustrate Downs
Orlando Pirates defied a numerical disadvantage to force a 1-1 Premier Soccer League draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Marcello Allende’s 76th minute goal was canceled by Tapelo Xoki’s penalty four minutes later to result in a stalemate.
It was a valiant display by the Buccaneers, who lost Miguel Timm on 54 minutes after he received his second yellow card.
Despite dropping two points, the Brazilians remain log leaders, nine points clear at the summit, while Pirates remain fifth on the table.
Ronwen Williams and Thapelo Morena were only two of 10 Sundowns players who were with Bafana Bafana at Afcon to start on Saturday, while eight others were out of the team.
Thembinkosi Lorch was handed his Sundowns debut while left-back Divine Lunga featured for the first time this season.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro threw in midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula for his maiden start as goalkeeper this season. Sipho Chaine returned from injury to play for the first time since October 2023.
The opening 15 minutes saw Williams being tested with powerful shots by Makhaula and Evidence Makgopa.
Sundowns’ first realistic chance of the match came on the half-hour mark when Peter Shalulile’s header went just wide off an Allende cross.
It was a first half dominated by Pirates, but they struggled to bury their chances.
The Buccaneers then went a man down following a red card to Timm, who had first fouled Lorch before interrupting Williams’ goal kick.
Shortly after, Shalulile hit s mysterious volley just over the bar with only Chaine to beat.
Allende then thrust Sundowns ahead when he fired home via a deflection off Olisa Ndah with Ribeiro being the supplier.
But the Brazilians’ celebrations were short-lived when Abdel Boutouil was adjudged to have taken down Xoki, who converted from the penalty spot.
The two teams then settled for a point each as no clear-cut chances were created in the dying stages of the contest.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa tries to get past Orlando Pirates’ Miguel Timm and Patrick Maswanganyi
Image source: Orlando Pirates
