Pirates rescue a point in Orlando

Lyle Foster’s late goal helped Orlando Pirates secure a point with 1-1 draw against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium in the Absa Premiership on Saturday night.

Pirates were looking for their third successive win in 2018, but the stalemate leaves them occupying fifth spot with 27 points from 18 league games.

The Limpopo-based outfit took an early lead through debutant Dominic Chungwa who scored for the first time in South Africa.

Pirates failed to deal with a corner-kick from the right flank and the loose ball fell in Chungwa's path; who unleashed a volley attempt that beat Jackson Mabokgwane.

On the half-hour mark, Mabokgwane was tested from a distance by Rodney Ramagalela from miles away, but the net minder swallowed the long range effort with ease.

In their response, Thabiso Kutumela broke free and burst in behind the Rise and Shine defence, but the attacker could not beat George Chigova who made a good save in the 43rd minute.

Bernard Molekwa’s men went to the tunnel leading 1-0.

The second half saw the Buccaneers changing gears as they upped the pace of the match, yet their decision making left a lot to be desired.

However, it was Mabokgwane who was called on to make a save in the 72nd minute when he collected Muhammad Nsulumba’s shot from range.

The Soweto giants were running out of time in the last 10 minutes and their crosses failed to reach the intended recipients in the box.

Sredojevic introduced Foster, Thembinkosi Lorch and Ayanda Nkosi in aim to exert more pressure on Rise and Shine’s defence.

Resulting from the changes, Foster equalised in the 86th minute when he pounced on a ball in the box to beat Chigova with a powerful effort that rattled the roof of the net, 1-1.

The draw leaves the visiting side sitting at number 12 on the log standings with 19 points from 17 league games in their campaign so far.

Orlando Pirates: (0) 1 (Foster 86’)

Polokwane City: (1) 1 (Chungwa 18’)

Teams:

Orlando Pirates: Mabokgwane, Shitolo, Nyauza, Dube (Nkosi 67’), Maela (Foster 73’), Mobara, Nyatama, Makola, Memela, Kutumela (Lorch 56’), Shonga.

Polokwane City: Chigova, Maponyane, Semenya, Ravhuhali, Tshilo, Seabi, Ramagalela, Manaka, Chungwa (Nsulumba 61’), Maluleka, Musona.

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