Teko Modise (R) © Backpagepix

SuperSport had Brent Carelse back in his usual offensive midfield role. The injured Thabo September was replaced at right-back by Hlompho Kekana, whose normal position in central midfield was filled by Shane Poggenpoel. Pirates, meanwhile, had Lehlohonolo Seema in the starting line-up, despite worries beforehand that their inspirational captain would miss the match due to injury.

The opening ten minutes were a closely contested affair with none of the teams getting a real opportunity to score, even though the home team had slightly the more possession of the ball. The first real chance arrived in the 12th minute when SuperSport striker Glen Salmon delivered an excellently weighted through ball to Poggenpoel. The midfielder, however, miss hit the shot, delivering a rather tame effort at goal instead.

Pirates looked happy to absorb the pressure and hoping that they could surprise Matsatsantsa with quick counter-attacks. Especially Teko Modise was kept rather quiet, closely marked by Kekana.

A well-taken corner from the right by SuperSport’s Daine Klate was headed in nicely by Bongani Khumalo, but the ball was directed just over the crossbar. Another chance was missed by Klate from close range just before half-time.

Matsatsantsa had to replace Kekana at half-time by Rudi Isaacs, as the right-back injured his groin just before the break and was unable to continue. SuperSport’s Carelse had an excellent shot at goal from inside the box in the 50th minute, but Pirates keeper Moeneeb Josephs saved brilliantly.

A couple of minutes later, Pirates midfielder Benson Mhlongo ran into SuperSport’s box, delivering a scorcher at goal. But keeper Andre Arendse showed that he hasn’t lost any of his agility, tipping the ball over the crossbar with a great dive to his left.

The Buccaneers should, however, have scored in the 66th minute when Tsietsi Mahoa lost possession of the ball to Mabalane. The speedy winger moved forward, but forgot to put the ball sideways to Katlego Mashego, who was left unmarked in front of goal. Instead, Mabalane decided to go for the shot, missing the target completely.

But Mabalane made up for his mistake in the 75th minute, when he received the ball just outside the box and delivered a real rocket a goal. Arendse could only see the ball end up in the top right corner of the goal, despite a desperate dive.

Pirates lead joy, however, didn’t last long as SuperSport countered with a goal of their own three minutes later.

Salmon played the ball to Laffor, Pirates’ Seema defended sloppily, which resulted in the Liberian getting one-on-one with keeper Josephs. Laffor neatly put the ball past the Pirates keeper, 1-1. It was the Liberian’s 11th goal of the season. Carelse, who had already been substituted, was handed his second yellow card and, as a result, as red card by referee Daniel Bennett for storming onto the field to celebrate Laffor’s goal. Carelse will now miss the last two matches of the season.

The draw was probably a fair result. SuperSport have now 54 points from 28 games, while Pirates are six points behind but they have a game in hand. Kaizer Chiefs beat Mamelodi Sundowns in Durban and are third with 47 points.

SuperSport United (0) 1 (Laffor 78’)

Orlando Pirates (0) 1 (Mabalane 75’)

Teams:

SuperSport United (4-4-2): Arendse; Kekana (Isaacs 46’), Khumalo, Katza, Mahoa; Pelembe, Poggenpoel, Carelse (Madubanya 72’), Klate (Chabangu 59’); Laffor, Salmon

Orlando Pirates (4-4-2): Josephs; Mahamutsa, Seema, Thwala, Lekgwathi; Mabalane, Mhlongo, Kamwendo, Modise; Mashego, Mthembu (Mbuyane 67’).