Aces holds Pirates to a draw

Mpumalanga Black Aces temporarily climbed to the eighth spot of the Absa Premiership Log after holding Orlando Pirates to a one-all draw on Tuesday night at the Mbombela Stadium.

Played before an impressive crowd compared to the other encounters, Pirates came to this clash a much better team and looked even shaper in front of goals.

It came as no surprise when Sifiso Myeni scored in the 23rd minute after Lennox Bacela beat an offside trap.

Determined for a comeback, Aces quickly picked themselves up and their hard work were rewarded when Thabo Qalinge played a clever cross to Zamuxolo Ngalo who made no mistake but tapped one back to force a draw against PSL giants, Pirates.

Aces were without several key players such as top keeper, Bafana Nhlapo, Mbulelo Mabizela, Mabuti Khanyeza and Clifford Ngobeni but the likes of Abia Nale, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Method Mwanjale and Tendai Ndoro stepped to the challenge and promoted the team to the top eight bracket.

Pirates started the game without their star player, Kermit Erasmus and the new signing, Lehlonolo Majoro who was booed from the stands just before he was introduced.

For Pirates, the draw derails their plans to challenge for the championship, leaving the fight between Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.

For Aces, the draw only bring them closer to a good finish. Aces’ next league is on March 28 against Ajax Cape Town and the team will then travel to Johannesburg in a return fixture against Orlando Pirates on April 2 at the Orlando Stadium.

They will then play against Bidvest Wits, who are currently third in the PSL, here at the Mbombela Stadium.

To view more pictures click here: http://mpumalanganews.co.za/48322/aces-vs-pirates/