Orlando Pirates and Royal AM couldn’t be separated as they drew 1-1 at the Orlando Stadium in a DStv Premiership match on Thursday evening.
It was the first ever encounter between the two clubs, after Royal AM joined the league after buying the status of Bloemfontein Celtic
Orlando Pirates 1-1 Royal AM
Pirates had two chances in the opening three minutes, as Linda Mntambo’s free kick was saved by Patrick Nyame, while Tshegofatso Mabasa missed a golden opportunity, when he shot wide moments later. It was an action packed opening five minutes, with two bookings, and dangerous, though ultimately fruitless, free kicks at both ends.
Royal AM thought they had a penalty in the 20th minute, when Happy Jele and Victor Letsoalo went down in the box, but the referee ruled in favour of Jele. Letsoalo had broken free, but Jele was able to back track and stop the Bafana Bafana striker.
It was another chance for the visitors in the 25th minute, but Levy Mashiane’s attempt was off target.
Mabasa had a good chance again in the 32nd minute but went wide, but moments later there was a goal at the other end as Mashiane was able to tap home after a defensive mix up in the box between Jele and Siyabonga Mpontshane, and Letsoalo was able rob them of the ball and poke the ball away to set up the scorer.
Makaringe went just wide in the 43rd minute, and Mabasa was off target a minute later after a good counter attack, and just when it looked like Royal AM would end the half up, Mntambo produced a great lobbed cross-come-shot, and Patrick Nyame was beaten at the far post. 1-1 at the break.
Letsoalo went wide a minute into the second half, while Mntambo went just over in the 60th minute. A minute later Nyame denied Mabasa’s back-heeled effort after a good combination play with Mntambo and Bandile Shandu.
Having replaced an injured Jele earlier, Thulani Hlatshwayo’s powerful header was off target in the 69th minute, as was Mashiane’s effort at the other end a minute later. Mntambo shot wide again in the 81st minute.
But no winner couldn’t be found by either team, and it ended in a draw. Royal AM move up to fourth, ahead of Sekhukhune United on goal difference, while Pirates remain seventh, and are now win-less in four league games.
