Absa Premiership Result: AmaZulu 1-1 Orlando Pirates Date: 3 April 2013 Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

 

Referee: Victor Gomes

 

Orlando Pirates saw their title chase take a slight stumble as they were held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu on Wednesday night.

 

Collins Mbesuma opened for the Buccaneers, but a Goodman Dlamini goal just before the hour mark ensured the teams ended the night with a share of the points.

 

It was a dream start for Pirates as it took them just four minutes to break the deadlock. After Oupa Manyisa was brilliantly played into space, he unselfishly cut the ball back into the centre of the area for Mbesuma to comfortably slot it into the back of the net.

 

There was another superb chance for the visitors to score just after the 15 minute mark when Daine Klate made a great run up the left, but Andile Jali failed to pull the trigger following the cross. At the other end, Usuthu then broke past the Pirates defence and nearly took the lead through a strong Goodman Dlamini shot, but Senzo Meyiwa was able to tip the ball around the post.

 

A goalkeeping blunder from Tapuwa Kapini then nearly gifted Pirates their second as he failed to handle Klate’s regulation corner, but referee Victor Gomes ruled the keeper had been fouled.

 

With ten minutes left in the half a free-kick from Thamsanqa Teyise threatened Meyiwa’s goal, but the Pirates shot-stopper was able to breathe a sigh of the relief as it flew just wide.

 

The second period started with Pirates looking to add to their goal and had two good chances through Khetowakhe Masuku, but  on both occasions the player failed to find the target.

 

Just before the hour mark, the match took a massive turn when Goodman Dlamini snuck in a rebound from a tight angle after Ayanda Dlamini’s shot came back off the post.

 

Usuthu nearly got the second when Goodman Dlamini found Njabulo Manqana, but the former Pirates man failed to punish his former club as he rattled the side netting.

 

A powerful header from Lucky Lekgwathi thennearly restored the lead for the Sea Robbers, but Kapini was able to stand firm and keep it out.

 

AmaZulu: Tapuwa Kapini, Luyanda Hlongwa, Philani Cele, Thamsanqa Teyise, Carlington Nyadombo (Willem Mwedihanga 32), Kulegani Madondo, Stanley Kgatla, Njabulo Manqana, Thokozani Mshengu (Joseph Malongoane 85), Goodman Dlamini (Andile Khumalo 71), Ayanda Dlamini

 

Subs: Mbongeni Mzimela, Nyiko Tshabangu, Bongani Ndulula, Lindokukhle Bhengu.

 

Orlando Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Patrick Phungwayo, Ayanda Gcaba, Khetowakhe Masuku (Ndumiso Mabena 72), Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Daine Klate (Tlou Segolela 65), Onyekachi Okonkwo, Collins Mbesuma (Takesure Chinyama 77).

 

Subs: Brighton Mhlongo, Lehlogonolo Maselesa, Mpho Makola

 

Goals: Collins Mbesuma (Pirates 4), Goodman Dlamini (AmaZulu 59)

Courtesy of http://www.soccerladuma.com