It wasn’t a classic, but an absorbing 90 minutes of PSL action at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday where Orlando Pirates came from behind to grab a 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs.
A Daniel Cardoso penalty early in the second half had seemed set to break Chiefs’ 11-match winless run against their Soweto rivals, only for Thembinkosi Lorch to snatch a very well-taken 79th-minute equaliser.
The first half provided some high-tempo, full-blooded action, but although both teams showed good attacking intent, clear-cut chances were at a premium.
After a tight first half, the complexion of the game was changed when Asavela Mbekile tugged at Khama Billiat just inside the box and referee Abongile Tom pointed to the spot, leaving Cardoso to coolly put Chiefs ahead in the 53rd minute with a clinical penalty.
The Buccaneers responded with a couple of half chances, but by the time Chiefs debutant Daniel Akpeyi easily plucked Justin Shonga’s tame header out of the air win the 70th minute, it was Pirates’ first attempt on target.
Pirates kept on probing and with 11 minutes of regulation time to go, Ben Motshwari played in Lorch who showed wonderful composure to go around Akpeyi before slotting the ball home.
Billiat could have won it right at the death for Chiefs, but Wayne Sandilands made an excellent stop to ensure the point.