Downs, Pirates share the spoils

SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 10: Themba Zwane of Sundowns attacks during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on December 10, 2014 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 10: Themba Zwane of Sundowns attacks during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on December 10, 2014 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)

Published Dec 11, 2014

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Johannesburg – Neither Orlando Pirates nor Mamelodi Sundowns were able to make up ground with the Premiership pace-setters after a 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium.

With the result Sundowns have accumulated 24 points after six wins, six draws and two losses, while Pirates have 19 points with five wins, four draws and five losses.

Unbeaten Kaizer Chiefs sit comfortably atop the table with 37points from 15 matches.

Pirates got off to a flying start after an easy tap-in from tricky winger Khama Billiat in the fifth minute, while the Soweto giants replied with a Lennox Bacela strike in the 31st minute.

Sweet revenge was on the mind of Sundowns after the Buccaneers embarrassed them with a 3-0 demolition in their first clash earlier in the season.

The opening goal came after some great work from Themba Zwane on the flank to beat three challenges to squeeze in a pass to Billiat who tapped in for the goal.

The Buccaneers answered with a set-piece goal after a corner-kick from Kermit Erasmus, whose ball landed kindly for the striker.

Pirates had the upper-hand in the first-half with their midfield having the better ball retention over the Sundowns formation after they conceded.

The home side was allowed to get back into the game with the equaliser that spurred them and brought the team back to life.

Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa was the spark in the attack with the versatile midfielder combining well with his wingers, Sifiso Myeni and Daine Klate.

However. Bongani Zungu was up for the challenge in the heart of midfield as he battled hard with his industrious box-to-box style of play.

Sundowns got their goal after applied pressure on the wing-backs of Pirates.

Having been hammered 2-0 by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in their previous encounter, Pirates aimed to bounce back with aplomb.

Scores were level at a goal each at the half-time break after end-to-end stuff in the opening period.

In the second half Sundowns did not mind playing the high ball into the opposition territory with Cuthbert Malajila proving a dangerous threat in the air with his headers.

In the 49th minute Malajila knocked a ball down to Rheece Evans, who delivered a ball into the penalty box that evaded both sets of players.

The Sea Robbers though replied with a corner-kick that fell kindly for Siyabonga Sangweni whose shot blasted the side of the net away from target in the 51st minute.

After a quiet first-half, midfield maestro Teko Modise was more influential in the second period after he laid-off an exceptional ball to Billiat, who got the ball tangled at his feet.

Bacela saw his header bounce off the upright in the 56th minute after a superb cross from Manyisa as the chance went begging for Pirates.

Goalkeeper Kennedy Mwenee bailed Sundowns out with a brilliant diving save in the 72nd minute after a strike from Erasmus.

Neither team was able to grab the second goal after exchanged blows in the final quarter. – Sapa

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