Blow for Pirates as Chippa grab a point
ORLANDO Pirates’ bid to finish second this season was dealt a blow as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Chippa United at Orlando Stadium last night.
Pirates came close to taking the lead as early as the fourth minute. Terrence Dzvukamanja struck for goal following some action in the penalty area, but Lloyd Kazapua saved the initial effort, before Dzvukamanja struck again from the rebound, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance from Sandile Mthethwa.
Mthethwa, who was granted an opportunity to start the game due to the unavailability of Roscoe Pietersen, made a good impression with some sturdy defending for the Chilli Boys.
Bandile Shandu found himself through on goal after 24 minutes following a Pirates breakaway, but Kazapua read the situation well as he charged out of his box before clearing the ball away.
Just after that, Kazapua took a painful hit to his face as he was struck with a powerful shot by Deon Hotto.
Chippa only had one chance in the first half after 30 minutes, as Andile Mbenyane tried to beat Richard Ofori with a curling effort, but the Ghana international went on to make an easy save.
Pirates made an early second-half change as Linda Mntambo came on for Abel Mabaso.
Mntambo looked to make an immediate impact as he slipped through Hotto for goal, but Kazapua produced some alert goalkeeping as he came off his line to grab the ball before the Pirates man could take a shot.
Thembinkosi Lorch wasted the best chance of the game for Pirates after 73 minutes as he found himself in a oneon-one situation, only to be denied by Kazapua.
Despite having far less of the possession throughout the game, Chippa nearly won the match in the 82nd minute. Sammy Seabi found Bienvenu Eva Nga with a pinpoint cross, but Ofori parried the shot from the Cameroonian against the crossbar.
Chippa will be the happier team as they claimed a valuable point, which could help
them in their quest to avoid relegation
Pirates will next be in action on Monday as they travel to Mbombela Stadium to play against a struggling TS Galaxy.
Chippa will next play on Wednesday when they host Cape Town City at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.