Orlando Pirates are making life difficult for themselves. They were forced to settle for the share of the spoils after they were held to a goalless draw by Stellenbosch FC in a league encounter at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Pirates inconsistent outing has let them down this season. Last week they were on cloud nine after hammering relegation threatened Black Leopards by 3-0 to keep their chances of finishing in the top three – which guarantees continental football next tern – alive.
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The Bucs remained fourth on the log after bagging a point against Stellies earlier today. But they’ll know that they’ve let themselves down especially with third-placed Golden Arrows also pushing for a continental spot in the upcoming campaign.
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In fact, Pirates will consider themselves lucky that they even managed a point after Stellenbosch dominated most of the possession in the first half. The home side though was let down by their poor finishing in front of goal – with Ashely Du Preez the main culprit.
The 23-year-old striker missed a sitter after being set-up by Augustine Dimgba. Soon thereafter, Wayne Sandilands was forced to save his team from the blushes after keeping out a pin-point high-flying shot from Jayden Adams as Stellies applied the pressure.
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Pirates though returned as the more reinvigorated side in the second half. But they were not clinical enough either, with Gabadinho Mhango forcing goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt into a fine stop after a delightful curling set-piece after the half-an-hour mark.
Pirates will shift their focus to continental football this weekend. They’ll host Raja Casablanca in the quarterfinals of the Caf Confederation Cup at the Orland Stadium on Sunday. A win today would have served as a huge morale booster heading to that game.
@MihlaliBaleka
IOL Sport