Pirates drop points against Sekhukhune but retain Caf Champions League spot

The Buccaneers started the game looking for a goal and camping in the opposition half, but the visitors showed resilience by maintaining their defensive structure and not allowing Bucs to create opportunities.

The first opportunity two opportunities came via set pieces with Sekhukhune United coming close to an opener following a corner, with Bucs loanee Tshegofasto Mabasa missing the target.

Pirates then also went wide with a header from Thabang Monare in the 25th minute following another corner from the ever-threatening and lively Monnapule Saleng.

It wasn't long before Saleng played in an early cross into the centre of the penalty box for in-form striker Terrence Dzvukamanja to direct home with another diving header in the 31st minute.

However, seven minutes later, Pirates continued to be vulnerable to set-pieces, allowing a corner from Sekhukhune to be headed back towards the goal-line for former Bucs defender Edwin Gyimah to head home to equalise from close range.

Going into half time, the visitors had continued to allow the Soweto giants to have the ball and looking to counter-attack or benefit from set-pieces, a strategy which continued in the second half.

The first real chance of the second half fell to Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus but he was denied from close range by Sangare who also thwarted Dzvukamanja's follow-up header.

In the 76th minute, Dzvukamanja came closest to a winner after rattling the post with an acrobatic attempt from inside the box.

The results see Orlando Pirates retain the second spot but only on goal difference to SuperSport United who defeated Kaizer Chiefs in their concurrent fixture.

Sekhukhune also retain their top eighth spot, with the point gained keeping them in seventh position but only on goal difference to Golden Arrows and Swallows who are also on 37 points.

Pirates and Sekhukhune will still do battle in the Nedbank Cup final to be held on the 27th of May following both teams' final league fixtures on the 20th of May.

A win for Bucs in the next league clash against Amazulu will ensure Caf Champions League qualification for next season, whilst a win for Babina Noko against SuperSport United will clinch their top-eight spot.