Orlando Pirates missed out on the opportunity to reclaim second spot in the DStv Premiership after they were held to a goalless draw by Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The fourth-placed Buccaneers created plenty of chances throughout the 90 minutes, but they found City goalkeeper Hugo Marques in inspiring form to secure a point for Eric Tinkler’s side, who moved up one to eighth position.
Pirates bossed proceedings in an action-packed first half, with both goalkeepers coming to the rescue for their respective teams.
The hosts threatened after just three minutes when Deon Hotto latched onto a looping pass from Olisa Ndah and fired just wide on the half-volley from inside the area on the left.
Hugo Marques was called into action moments later to deny Bandile Shandu from inside the box and he was tested by Hotto on eight minutes after the Namibian was played in on the left by Kabelo Dlamini.
The Soweto giants continued to ask questions of the opposition defence as the half wore on, with Shandu linking up well with Kwame Peprah on the right before forcing Marques into another save on 29 minutes.
Bucs failed to capitalise on hesitation at the back for City five minutes later as Thabang Monare cleared the target with a shot from range after being teed up by Dlamini.
However, the visitors finished the half strongly and Siyabonga Mpontshane had to be alert when Nathan Fasika flicked the ball on for Tashreeq Morris, who drew a sharp save out of the Pirates keeper from close range on 39 minutes.
Mpontshane was required to keep out further efforts from Morris and Thabo Nodada in the closing stages of the first half.
The second half wasn’t as frenetic, although Hotto had another sniff at goal early on, but could only find the side-netting after being played in by Dlamini.
Marques then produced a superb save from Fortune Makaringe on 53 minutes after good work by Peprah to set him up inside the area and the Angolan was well placed to gather a ranged strike from Dlamini in the 74th minute.
Terrence Dzvukamanja was unfortunate not to make clean contact with a cross into the danger area on 82 minutes as the ball went harmlessly wide of the mark.
Zakhele Lepasa had a great chance to snatch victory for Pirates two minutes from time after Dzvukamanja raced away from his marker out wide before squaring the ball for his teammate, but Keanu Cupido got back to make a match-saving tackle.
Orlando Pirates 0
Cape Town City 0
Orlando Pirates: S. Mpontshane, B. Shandu (W. Jooste 86′), O. Ndah (I. Maela 87′), N. Nyauza (H. Jele 72′), P. Mako, F. Makaringe (T. Dzvukamanja 72′), T. Monare, G. Mosele, K. Dlamini, K. Peprah (Z. Lepasa 72′), D. Hotto.
Cape Town City: H. Marques, T. Mkhize (C. Martin 65′), N. Fasika, T. Fielies, F. Ambina (K. Mokhuoane 46′), M. Mdantsane, T. Mokeke, T. Nodada (K. Cupido 83′), T. Mashego, D. Gonzalez (M. May 81′), T. Morris (K. Mayo 81′).
PSL
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