Orlando Pirates rallied from behind to hold Cypriot champions Pafos to a 1-1 draw in their second pre-season clash in Spain on Sunday.
The Buccaneers presented a few changes from Friday’s loss to Bolton Wanderers as Deano Van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Kabelo Dlamini and Yanela Mbuthuma were all given starts.
Pirates were caught square in the sixth minute when a switch of play unleashed Joao Correa on the far side of the area and he lashed in the bottom-corner.
New signing Appollis led the comeback midway in the first spell when his cross-field pass released Relebohile Mofokeng, who cut-in on the right and finished from an acute angle.
Sipho Mbule looked to put the Sea Robbers ahead through a clever shot from range ten minutes to the break, but he was denied by the Pafos goalkeeper.
Pirates made substitution between the sticks ahead of the second period and introduced Siyabonga Dladla in the place of Sipho Chaine, while Boitumelo Radiopane and Danis were also brought on.
The South African giants were energised after the break and very nearly had the lead when a shot on-the-turn from Boitumelo Radiopane went inches wide of the upright.
As more substitutions by the Buccaneers came, the tempo of the match remained even and a period of sustained possession from the respective outfits showed.
Pirates could’ve snatched the winner in the final minute with a move involving Karim Kimvuidi and Tshepang Moremi, but the goal didn’t materialise as the two sides had to settle for the draw.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto, Mbatha, Dlamini, Mbule, Appollis, Mofokeng, Mbuthuma
Subs: Dladla, Mashiloane, Seema, Ndaba, Lebitso, Shandu, Ndlozi, Selepe, Nemtajela, Nduli, Dansin, Kimvuidi, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Nkota, Radiopane, Kwayiba, Makgopa, Mabasa.
Image: Orlando Pirates
