Ben Motshwari of Orlando Pirates challenges Evidence Gerald Phiri FC during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Baroka FC on the 18 August 2020 at Emirates Airline Park Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates 1-1 Baroka FC: PSL highlights and results
Orlando Pirates may feel hard done by as Baroka FC snatched a share of the PSL points with a goal that appeared to be scored from an offside position.
Ben Motshwari of Orlando Pirates challenges Evidence Gerald Phiri FC during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Baroka FC on the 18 August 2020 at Emirates Airline Park Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates and Baroka FC entertained at Ellis Park but the PSL points were shared as the match ended 1-1.
Orlando Pirates came into the match looking to snap a four-match barren run in front of goal while Baroka FC were in need of points to move them away from the relegation battle.
Orlando Pirates 1-1 Baroka FC: PSL match report
Baroka FC started with plenty of intent, but the game soon settled into a pattern where Orlando Pirates dominated possession, and their opponents looked for opportunities to counter.
The Limpopo were willing to press high up the field and forced a handful of early errors out of the Buccaneers defence.
Pirates ended their goal drought with an absolute stunner from Tshegofatso Mabasa who latched onto a loose pass before tucking the ball into the net from a tight angle. Gabadinho Mhango won’t get an official assist, but it was his strong run that created the opportunity. Pirates led 1-0 after just 15 minutes.
Watch: Mabasa gives Orlando Pirates a 1-0 lead
Wayne Sandilands made a key intervention after Goodman Mosele was gifted possession and made for the byline in the 20th minute, the keeper punching his cross away before Nhlanhla Mgaga could meet the ball into the box.
Coach Josef Zinnbauer might have been tearing his hair out as loose passes prevented Orlando Pirates from dominating the game.
A mistake by Mhango allowed Baroka to counter and Evidence Makgopa got onto the end of a cross and buried his chance. Replays showed he was clearly offside, but the goal stood.
Watch: Makgopa levels the scores for Baroka FC
Pirates had more of the ball as the half wore on, but Baroka were able to create plenty of opportunities making for an entertaining match.
The first half ended with the score 1-1.
Half time
Thembinkosi Lorch made his return to action after his suspension for breaching health protocols was lifted. Lorch came off the bench at half-time and was quickly into the fray, creating problems down the left flank.
Pirates and Baroka traded opportunities in the second half but neither goalkeeper had much to do in the first twenty minutes of the second period.
Just after the second water break, Baroka had their hearts in their mouths as Elvis Chipezeze spilled the ball after a cross but Pirates couldn’t latch onto the chance.
Sandilands needed to be sharp in the closing stages of the match as Baroka pressed forward looking for a winner.
The result leaves Baroka FC in 13th and Orlando Pirates in third. The Limpopo club face fellow strugglers Chippa United in their next game on 22 August while Pirates take on the dangerous Cape Town City at Loftus on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates squad
30. Sandilands, 23. Maela, 4. Jele, 5. Nyauza, 29. Mako, 6. Motshwari, 15. Makaringe, 44. Mabaso, 7. Mhango, 16. Mabasa, 45. Pule.
Subs: 1. Delle, 27. Ndengane, 21. Zungu, 32. Mntambo, 8. Ndlovu, 34. Monyane, 11. Memela, 3. Lorch, 18. Dlamini.
Baroka FC Squad
1. Chipezeze, 6. Masiya, 43. Sampson, 42. Mgaga, 5. Makume, 27. Makgopa, 14. Mosele, 6. Sibiya, 17. Kambala, 10. Phiri, 23. Ngubane
Subs: 30. Dlamini, 24. Madondo, 18. Shozi, 11. Selemela, 9. Mbulu, 2. Kgoetyane, 15. Mogale, 49. Nguse, 38. Nkabinde.
