Pirates, Polokwane City share spoils in goalless draw

The first 45 minutes was a balanced affair in terms of chances created.

Both teams found it difficult to manufacture clear cut goal scoring opportunities. Pirates enjoyed the lion share of the possession in the early stages of the game.

In the 35th minute, the visitors had their first shot on goal. Sipho Jembula received the ball in the centre of the park from Manaka and turned and let rip a well-struck shot but Brighton Mhlongo made a good save low to his left.

Three minutes later the Sea Robbers almost took the lead. Luvuyo Memela won the ball in the midfield and played a neat give and go with Mpho Makola before his marauding run into the Polokwane penalty area ended with a shot struck across goal, which led to George Chigova conceding a corner.

Two minutes before the break Julio Leal’s men almost broke the deadlock. Jembula’s corner from the left side was met at the near post by a glancing header from Thobani Mncwango that struck the bar.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first, Pirates did the hard running while City were happy to soak up the pressure and strike on the counter-attack.

Issa Sarr had a glorious opportunity in the 72nd minute to put his Eric Tinkler’s men into the lead after a well-worked free-kick routine set the Pirates holding midfielder up but he blazed his effort over the bar.

Leal’s men defended resolutely late on and earned an important point.

“Obviously, I’m not entirely happy with the performance today. I don’t think we moved the ball quick enough. We struggled to create opportunities,” Pirates coach, Eric Tinkler said.

“We had a good game. Strategically we tried not to concede early. It is an important point for us,” Polokwane City coach, Julio Leal said.