Orlando Pirates Reserves endured a frustrating morning against TS Galaxy, who held them to a 0-0 in their DStv Diski Challenge game at Rand Stadium on Saturday.
Against a Galaxy outfit in search of a first win since January, the Bucs Reserves were looking to bounce back from the disappointment of their last result, which saw them relinquish their spot at the top of the standings.
They were made to toil by the men from Mpumalanga, whose physical approach ensured a first half dominated by crunching tackles.
Much of the action occurred in the middle of the pitch in the opening period, with neither keeper troubled throughout.
A more determined attitude from the hosts led to significantly more goal-scoring chances in the second half, mainly from set pieces.
Lulama Nxumalo was first to go narrowly wide from a free kick taken in the 57th minute when he went direct from a long distance out, only to pull his shot off target.
The Buccaneers had some defending to do moments later, with the centre-back pairing of Simphiwe Selepe and Mbekezeli Mbokazi teaming up well to avert the threat.
With just 20 minutes left on the clock, Bucs forward Gosiame Ngobeni provided what was the game’s best chance thus far when he rattled the woodwork after cutting in from the left to release a powerful shot.
Further chances from dead ball situations fell to Nxumalo and Mbokazi, who were both unable to convert as the visitors positioned themselves well to carry out crucial stops with the clock winding down.
Pirates keeper Zoey Monyepao was called upon late in the encounter, pulling off an excellent save to keep out a shot from point-blank range in the 79th minute.
It appeared as if the host would steal a win in the end when a last-gasp attack resulted in a penalty awarded after Siphamandla Mdunge was tripped inside the box.
Ngobeni was entrusted with spot-kick duties but could not grab the winner as right-footed shot was saved.
That turned out to be the final action of the game, sealing off a disappointing outing for the Bucs Reserves who had to settle for a single point at home.
Pirates Reserves XI: Monyepao, Selepe, Mbokazi, Mdunge, Sibiya (Mohlala 46’), Molepo, Matrose (Maphumulo 58’), Dansin, Nxumalo (Arends 74’), Nzimande (Masemola 58’), Ngobeni.
