Durban City battled valiantly for a Betway Premiership point after drawing 0-0 with Orlando Pirates at a packed Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.
It was Pirates who enjoyed the better of the first half possession and chances on goal as the Durban City contingent defended resolutely to keep the home team off the score-sheet.
Citizens keeper Frederick Asare was the busier of the two custodians, starting in the second minute when he produced a diving save to tip a deflected shot from Oswin Appollis around the post.
Asare also pouched a long range from Relebohile Mofokeng in the 26th minute, before Kamogelo Sebelebele fired a shot over the crossbar. The first half ended with Asare reacting sharply to keep out Talent Mbatha’s stinging effort from outside the box.
The second stanza continued in similar fashion as Asare was called into action to save from a free-kick, after Mbatha had flashed a volley inches wide.
Appollis then sent a shot over the bar before Durban City did enjoy a sniff in front of goal, however, Jean Lwamba’s attempted scissor kick was blocked by a defender.
The Soweto side, hoping to secure the league title, continued to push for a winning goal in the final 20 minuets of the game. The Citizens were however plugged in at the back and worked hard to limit the Buccaneers’ chances on goal.
There was a header from Appollis which flew over, the same player drawing another great save from Asare in the 75th minute. The City keeper also made a fine stop to deny Mofokeng in the 91st minute, after the Pirates forward had struck a bending effort.
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