Late Heartbreak at Orlando: Pirates Drop Crucial Points in Post-Riveiro Debut

Orlando Pirates were left stunned at Orlando Stadium after conceding stoppage time equaliser to TS Galaxy in 1 - 1 draw on Saturday.

It was their first home game since parting ways with coach Jose Riveiro and it ended in frustration.

Title Hopes Fade Further

Already trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by 14 point, the Buccaneers needed win to maintain momentum. Instead they dropped points again leaving their 2nd place finish in the Betway Premiership with bitter aftertaste.

First Game Without Riveiro

Pirates looked uncertain under interim coach Mandla Ncikazi. Despite flashes of promise from Relebohile Mofokeng & Simphiwe Selepe, they lacked creativity in the final 3rd. Keeper Ira Tape comfortably dealt with most of their attacks.

How the Drama Unfolded

The home side broke the deadlock in the 65 minute. Mohau Nkota sent in clever pass behind Galaxy’s defence and Bandile Shandu tapped in his 2nd goal in 2 game.

But Pirates failed to kill the game off. Galaxy kept pushing and finally found reward deep into added time. Mpho Mvelase struck from close range, silencing the home fans and snatching vital point for the Rockets.

Substitutions & Missed Chances

Despite fresh legs from both sides including Keagan Dolly for Galaxy and debutant Thuso Moleleki for Pirates, the final minutes were tense but lacked finishing. A late save from Melusi Buthelezi seemed to have sealed the win but Mvelase'd the final say.

Where Things Stand

Pirates now sit on 56 point after 25 match , six more than their total from last season but still well behind champions Sundowns who were crowned officially on the same night.

They face SuperSport United next, desperate to end their season on high and regain their confidence post Riveiro.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.