Kudakwashe Mahachi came off the bench to rescue a point for Orlando Pirates, who twice came from behind in their 2-2 draw with Highlands Park.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides and came close to opening the lead on several occasions in the opening exchanges through efforts from Justin Shonga and Vincent Pule.
Former Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro sprung alive and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock on the half hour mark with a long range effort.
The Lions of the North grew in confidence and enjoyed a fruitful spell of play close to the end of the first half, but were unable to take the lead, largely due to excellent goalkeeping by Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock as the two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.
The Buccaneers emerged as the stronger team in the second half and were unlucky not to take the lead when Innocent Maela’s cross came off the crossbar with the keeper well beaten.
Pirates were made to rue their missed chances when Ndoro assisted Sphiwe Mahlangu, who found the back of the net from the most acute of angles.
The visitors equalised a minute later when fine interplay between Xola Mlambo, Mulenga and Thembinkosi Lorch saw the latter round the keeper to restore matters.
Pirates dominated proceedings and were unfortunate not to take the lead after launching several attacks towards the Highlands goalframe.
The home side restored the lead when Peter Shalulile got the better of Mlambo before guiding the ball past Mpontshane after the goalkeeper failed to catch a routine ball.
Pirates opted for a double change with Kuda Mahachi and Thamsanqa Gabuza for Shonga and Pule respectively.
The substitutions paid dividends when Mahachi levelled matters for Pirates after the home side failed to clear the lines.
Milutin Sredojevic opted for the final roll of the dice when he brought on Linda Mntambo for Mobara.
Pirates looked poised to grab the winner, but were let down by some poor finishing in the final exchanges as the two sides were forced to share the spoils.
Photo: BackpagePix
