Pitiful Pirates pass up ultimate title lifeline in Durban City stalemate

Orlando Pirates threw away a golden opportunity to snatch the Betway Premiership title on Saturday afternoon after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by a resilient Durban City FC at a packed Orlando Amstel Arena.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges entered the match knowing a victory would seal their first league crown in 14 years, following Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy in midweek. Instead, the Sea Robbers failed to break down a stubborn Durban City wall, leaving their championship dreams hanging by a thread ahead of the final day of the season.

The result leaves Pirates trailing log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by two points with just one match left in the campaign. The Buccaneers must now defeat Orbit College FC to end Masandawana’s eight-year domestic stranglehold. The Tshwane giants have already concluded their league campaign.

FRUSTRATION BOILS OVER AS BUCCANEERS FAIL TO CONVERT

Desperate for an early breakthrough, the hosts immediately camped in Durban City’s half. Inside the opening three minutes, both Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng saw ambitious, long-range efforts blocked as the visitors threw bodies on the line.

Pirates’ attacking fluidity suffered a major blow in the 39th minute when forward Yamela Mbuthuma was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Evidence Makgopa, who immediately tried to impose himself, seeing a close-range header blocked just before the halftime interval.

The second half followed an identical script, turning into a tense game of attack versus defence. Riveiro rolled the dice in the 69th minute, ringing the changes by introducing fresh attacking impetus in Tshepang Moremi and Abdoulaye Fousseyni Mariko for Patrick Maswanganyi and Simphiwe Selepe.

ASHANTI KEEPER FREDERICK ASARE DENIES THE GHOST

Durban City shot-stopper Frederick Asare turned out to be the ultimate villain for the Soweto giants, pulling off a string of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay. The Ghanaian keeper produced a brilliant low save to deny Appollis in the 75th minute, keeping the scoreline level as anxiety grew in the stands.

In the final ten minutes, the Buccaneers laid siege to the Durban City box, forcing a succession of corners and executing desperate late waves of attack. Mofokeng and Kamogelo Sebelebele both flashed late efforts agonisingly wide of the target.

Deep into stoppage time, Pirates’ passionate penalty appeals were waved away by the referee, compounding a miserable afternoon for the home support as the resolute visitors held on for a precious point to maintain ther top eight position in the log standings.