Matlaba rescue a point for Bucs

Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu failed to register their first wins in the 2014/15 Absa Premiership when they played to a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

Thabo Matlaba scored the equalising goal for Buccaneers in the second half after Bongani Ndulula had fired Usuthu ahead from the penalty spot before the break.

Pirates dominated possession in the opening quarter of the match but were unable to create clear-cut chances with the visitors keeping number behind the ball.

Usuthu broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 28th minute as Ndulula drilled the ball home from the penalty spot after he had been brought down inside the box by Rooi Mahamutsa.

The Buccaneers had an opportunity to level matters in the 34th minute when they were awarded a free kick in a good position, only for Mpho Makola to curl his effort over the crossbar.

The home side came close again in the 45th minute but Issa Sarr saw his low shot deflected just wide of goal, while Kermit Erasmus was denied by a low save from Tapuwa Kapini moments later.

Ndulula thought he would be awarded another penalty on the stroke of halftime when he went down inside the penalty area under a challenge of Thabo Matlaba, but this time the striker was booked for simulation.

Both sides made a change apiece at halftime with Pirates bringing on Sifiso Myeni in the place of Issa Sarr, while Usuthu replaced Ruzaigh Gamildien with John Arwuah.

However, it was the hosts who created the first opportunity in the 56th minute as Thandani Ntshumayelo found Erasmus on the edge of the box, but his shot was deflected wide by Bonginkosi Macala.

The Buccaneers eventually found the equaliser in the 62nd minute when Matlaba controlled a pass from Makola inside the box before placing a low shot past Kapini.

Vladimir Vermezovic’s side had opportunities to claim maximum points late in the game but Kapini pulled off two good saves to deny Erasmus in the 80th minute and Lehlohonolo Majoro five minutes later.

Erasmus had one last chance to steal the game in the 86th minute when he received a pass from Majoro in the centre of the box, but he fired just wide of the upright as the two sides had to settle for a point each.

Orlando Pirates (0) 1 (Matlaba 62’)
AmaZulu (1) 1 (Ndulula pen. 28’)

Teams:

Orlando Pirates: Meyiwa, Nyauza, Mahamutsa, Sangweni, Matlaba, Sarr (Myeni 46’), Ntshumayelo, Manyisa, Klate (Qalinge 80’), Makola (Majoro 64), Erasmus

AmaZulu: Kapini, Macala, Van Heerden, Nyadombo, Mwedihanga, Madondo, Shabalala (Liphoko 73’), Gamildien (Arwuah 46’), Shange, Dlamini G, Ndulula (Dlamini M 90+2’)