Orlando Pirates go fourth despite Chippa United draw

Orlando Pirates were left frustrated after sharing the spoils with Chippa United following a goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Chilli Boys nearly gifted Pirates with a goal in the opening five minutes after the Buccaneers opted for a short corner, which lead to a goalmouth scramble resulting in the ball falling for Terrence Dzvukamanja, who was denied by Lloyd Junior Kazapua from close range.

Kwame Peprah looked to continue his form in front of goal for Pirates as he nearly handed his side the lead in the 16th minute, but saw his header sail just wide of goal.

Kazapua was called into action in the 25th minute when he made a double save to first deny Bandile Shandu before blocking Deon Hotto’s long-range strike.

Ntsikelelo Nyauza nearly gave Pirates the head on the half-hour mark but guided his header just over the crossbar after latching on to a set piece.

At the other end, Richard Ofori was forced into making a save a minute later as he made a comfortable save to deny Andile Mbenyane’s curling effort.

Both sides pressed forward in the closing stages of the first half in search of the opening goal, but neither could find the back of the net at half time.

The Buccaneers opted to bring on fresh legs at the restart as Linda Mntambo came on for Abel Mabaso and Ndah was taken off due to injury in the 52nd minute and replaced by Happy Jele.

Nyauza had a chance to hand Pirates the lead in the 57th minute but the attacker saw his volley sail over the top of target.

Pirates continued to look for the opening goal after 71 minutes of play but Mabasa had his effort blocked from point-blank range before Nyauza had his powerful effort saved by Kazapua a minute later.

The Buccaneers had a chance to win the game at the death but Nyauza was unable to bypass Kazapua, with the game ending goalless at the Orlando Stadium.