Orlando Pirates’ sluggish start to the league season persisted as they were held to a goalless draw by AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night. This result was unexpected as the Buccaneers were the favorites to secure maximum points against Usuthu, having maintained an unbeaten record in Durban for over a decade.
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Despite their historical dominance over AmaZulu, the Pirates couldn’t secure a victory this time. AmaZulu entered the match with high spirits after their recent triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup. The match was intensely physical, leading to injuries for two of AmaZulu’s defenders, Taariq Fielies and Veluyeke Zulu, in the first half. Both teams had opportunities to score, but it was the Pirates who dominated possession.
A Highly Anticipated Match Ends in a Draw
Impact on League Standings
The draw had implications for both teams’ positions in the league standings. The Pirates moved up to 13th place with eight points from six games, while Usuthu climbed to 10th place with 11 points.
Team Lineups
The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:
AmaZulu XI: Mothwa, Jooste, Hanamub, Fielies, Mphahlele, Gumede, Motshwari Brooks, Dion, Ekstein, Mbanjwa.
Subs: Mzimela, Mabiliso, Sikhkhane, Zulu, Maluleka, Human, Ngema, Moremi, Kwem.
Orlando Pirates XI: Buthelezi, Xoki, Ndah, Monyane, Hotto, Baloni, Monare, Maswanganyi, Lorch, Makgopa, Erasmus.
Subs: Mpontshane, Sesame, Shandu, Timm, Ndlondlo, Saleng, Kimvuidi, Otladisa, Lepasa.