In a crucial DStv Diski Challenge top-of-the-table clash, Orlando Pirates Reserves and Cape Town City faced off against each other at the Malta Park Sports Ground in Cape Town on Sunday morning, the 12th of March 2023.
The Bucs Reserves were hoping to keep their title hopes alive after falling to third place in the standings, while the young Citizens sought to solidify their position at the top.
The game started cautiously with both teams feeling each other out. However, midway through the first half, the game opened up when Relebohile Ratomo found a gap in the City defence and drew a save from the keeper. City responded with an opportunity of their own, but Bucs keeper Siyabonga Dladla pulled off a fantastic save to deny the shot from point-blank range.
Dladla continued to be the busier of the two goalkeepers, making another excellent stop seven minutes from the break. However, his efforts were in vain as the hosts soon broke the deadlock to make it 1-0.
In the second half, the Buccaneers were the first to threaten when Ratomo’s cross found Gomolemo Khoto in the 50th minute, but the winger missed the target. Njabulo Mndebele attempted to conjure up a magical moment later, but his well-struck effort rattled the post.
The visitors were given a golden opportunity to level the score just after the hour mark when Khoto was pushed inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Midfielder Sonwabo Khumalo calmly stepped up to the plate and slotted home the penalty to make it 1-1 with just over half an hour left to play.
Not content with the equalizer, the Pirates went in search of the winner but were unable to find a way through the City’s defence. Dladla was called upon once again in the dying moments of the game, producing another fine save to deny City.
The final whistle blew with the scoreline remaining level. Although the Buccaneers were unable to secure the win, they needed to stay in the title race, they earned a vital point that keeps them in the hunt for the title. They will need to maintain their momentum in the upcoming fixtures to stay in the race. Cape Town City, on the other hand, will be satisfied with its position at the top of the table and will look to maintain its lead in the remaining games of the season.