Rockets strike late to deny Pirates all three points

TS Galaxy ensured that Orlando Pirates would not begin the post-Jose Riveiro era with a win after they scored a dramatic late equaliser to clinch a 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, May 17.

Bandile Shandu's 64th-minute goal appeared to hand Mandla Ncikazi all three points in his first match as interim coach, only for Mpho Mvelase to strike at the death to earn the Rockets a share of the spoils.

Adnan Beganovic's side must now wait on the results of the final round to see if they will finish above AmaZulu (6th) and Polokwane City (7th), having now completed their season in fifth position.

The Buccaneers went in search of a fourth consecutive win and their first under Ncikazi, while Galaxy were hoping to sign off on a high in a bid to secure their best-ever finish in the top flight.

The hosts were presented with an early chance after they won a corner, but Tshegofatso Mabasa could only find the side-netting with his near-post header in the third minute.

The Limpopo outfit began to grow in confidence and Khayelihle Mncube sent a volley wide of the target from the edge of the box on 11 minutes before Kamogelo Sebelebele gave Sipho Chaine some work to do with a shot in the 13th minute.

Ira Tape had to be alert after the Soweto giants were awarded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard area on 33 minutes, with the Ivorian goalkeeper saving Deon Hotto's effort which took a deflection off the wall.

The visitors threatened to break the deadlock just before half-time, but Victor Letsoalo was unable to direct his header on target from Sphesihle Maduna's cross in the 41st minute.

Bucs turned up the pressure after the restart as Patrick Maswanganyi flashed a shot just wide of the post on the hour mark following good link-up play with Mabasa before Kabelo Dlamini miscued his attempt moments later.

However, their efforts would soon be rewarded when Shandu fired home in the 64th minute to score his second goal in as many games, with Mohau Nkota providing the assist.

Keagan Dolly looked to make an impact off the bench as he picked up a loose ball in the final third and lined up a shot from range that sailed wide of the mark on 82 minutes.

Hotto nearly sealed the win four minutes from time after being played in by Relebohile Mofokeng, but he was denied by a fine save from Tape, and it proved a pivotal moment after Mvelase popped up in the 94th minute to snatch a point for the Rockets.

Orlando Pirates (0) 1 (Shandu 64')

TS Galaxy (0) 1 (Mvelase 90+4')

Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine (M. Buthelezi 46'), B. Shandu (D. van Rooyen 85'), N. Sibisi, M. Mbokazi, D. Hotto, K. Dlamini, S. Selepe, M. Nkota (T. Moleleki 75'), P. Maswanganyi (C. Dansin 80'), R. Mofokeng, T. Mabasa (B. Radiopane 75').

TS Galaxy: I. Tape, K. Sebelebele, M. Mahlangu, K. Ndamane, K. Letsoenyo (T. Walters 85'), N. Mgaga (K. Dolly 74'), S. Maduna, K. Mncube (M. Mvelase 46'), S. Mahlambi (D. Sovsic 74'), P. Dithejane (S. Mahlangu 65'), V. Letsoalo.