Pirates’ Champions League hopes hang in the balance after draw with Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates hopes of qualifying for the Caf Champions League were dented after they played to a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

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While Pirates drew with Sekhukhune, SuperSport United, who are also in the race for the second spot won their fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on the same day.

Both Pirates and SuperSport are level on 51 points after this past weekend’s results. Bucs remain in second spot on the DStv Premiership standings due to a better goal-difference.

 The first few minutes saw the hosts looking relaxed on the ball, while trying to unlock Babina Noko defence, but it was too tight with Monnapule Saleng and Kermit Erasmus giving them problems. 

Sekhukhune made their first threat at  goals through Tshegofatso Mabasa with a header in the 13th minute, while in the 24th minute, defender Tresor Tshibwabwa also saw his header go wide of Sipho Chaine’s goal.

A combination by Kermit Erasmus and Kabelo Dlamini led to the latter getting an opportunity to take a shot at goal, but he fluffed his attempt in the 29th minute.

Pirates would go on to break the deadlock after a beautiful cross by Monnapule Saleng was met by Terrence Dzvukamanja with a diving header to put the Buccaneers 1-0 up just after the half-hour mark.

It took a few minutesr for Sekhukhune to equalise. A goalmouth scramble in the 39th minute led to Edwin Gyimah rising high inside the box to score with a header from close range to make it 1-1. 

Second half chances

The game ended up going into the break with the scoreline level. Pirates had a couple of half chances in the second period, from one of which Saleng failed to connect with Dlamini’s cross.

Sekhukhune did more of the defending than attacking, as they looked to catch Pirates on transition, with striker Chibuike Ohizu closely monitored by the Pirates back four.

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The Buccaneers almost went ahead for the second time in the game in the 67th minute, but Erasmus shot went wide. And Dzvukamanja’s acrobatic-kick was denied by the upright in the 75th minute.

The last minutes of the game saw both teams going all out for a winning goal. But they ended up sharing the spoils.