Orlando Pirates Held by 10 Men Stellenbosch in Betway Premiership

• Orlando Pirates failed to get the required results to close in on Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race this season
• The Sea Robbers were held to a goalless draw by Stellenbosch FC in their midweek fixture with the Brazilians claiming all three points in their own game
• The Soweto giants are now 18 points behind the defending champions on the log, but they still have four outstanding matches

Orlando Pirates failed to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns as they were held to a goalless draw by Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership match at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Sea Robbers were on course to reduce the point gap between them and the Brazilians, but they could get past the stubborn Stellies playing in front of their fans.

The Soweto-based side were tipped as favourites to win the tie after losing the reverse fixture at the Orlando Stadium last year.

Read also

Why referee was wrong to award Kaizer Chiefs' second goal against Stellenbosch

Pirates held by Stellenbosch FC

Both teams were being careful of making mistake in defence in the opening minutes of the match but Pirates got their first shot on target in the ninth minute after Relebohile Mofokeng tried his luck from outside the box but his effort was saved by Oscarine Masuluke.

Stellenbosch attacked Pirates box in the 24th minute but Cupido and Andre de Jong's shot were blocked by Deon van Rooyen and Hotto respectively.

Masuluke was called into action in the 28th minute but did enough to save Tshegofatso Mabasa's left volley to keep the scores goalless.

The Stellies were reduced to 10 men after former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Brian Onyango was shown a straight red card for wrestling Mabasa into the ground as a last man.

The first half ended goalless with Pirates being the better side and having a man advantage over the Maroons.

The second half also began like the first half as both teams were conscious of making mistakes.

Read also

Barker furious over referee's decision regarding Kaizer Chiefs' late controversial goal

The Sea Robbers got their first real chance in the second half in the 76th minute after Mofokeng forced a save off Masuluke with a firm shot from the edge of the box.

Mabasa headed the ball past Masuluke in the 79th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside after the linesman raised his flag.

The host also put Sipho Chaine to the test with a rather awkward shot from Godswill Kazie, but the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper parried it to safety.

Pirates and Stellenbosch shared the points, but it was not the required results for the visitors as they will face the league leaders, Sundowns, in their next league match this weekend.

Pirates set to offer Mabasa new contract

Briefly News earlier reported that Orlando Pirates are considering the option of offering Tshegofatso Mabasa a new contract after impressive performance since last season.

Read also

Stellenbosch react to referee's decision over Kaizer Chiefs' late controversial goal

The South African striker currently have two years left on his contract, but the Sea Robbers are keen on keeping the Bafana Bafana star beyond 2027 with Jose Riveiro in support of the move.

Source: Briefly News