Orlando Pirates squandered chances and came out two points poorer in the intense Premier Soccer League title race after a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Free State Stars at Ellis Park on Wednesday night.
With rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns completing victories over Santos and Moroka Swallows respectively on the day, the draw was nothing less than a calamity for the Buccaneers.
A growing sense of anxiety and near-panic was epitomised in the mood of the 12 000-strong crowd after Stars had shocked their more fancied opponents by taking the lead with a penalty goal from Wilfred Mogeyi in the 22nd minute.
Pirates equalised through the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lelo Mbele in the 50th minute after a fierce goal-mouth scramble, with Stars goalkeeper Mashinini Simla blocking the first scoring attempt but unable to do anything from the rebound.
Stars, who were only beaten 1-0 by Pirates via a 90th-minute penalty in an Absa Cup encounter on Saturday, again matched their ball-weaving opponents in the first half and were only prevented from taking a two-goal lead in the 43rd minute by a breathtaking reflex save from Pirates goalkeeper Francis Chansa.
Once the Buccaneers had equalised, however, play was limited almost entirely to Stars’ territory as the gallant, resolute Free State combination concentrated on salvaging a valuable point.
But Pirates have only themselves to blame for not breaking the deadlock as their players froze in front of goal on numerous occasions and missed chances when it looked easier to score.
A snap 58th-minute header from Siyabonga Nomvete struck the crossbar and Simla punched clear while in full flight as the rebound dropped to the ground.
Nomvete, however, joined the long queue of culprits missing golden opportunities when he miscued a shot from 8m with only over-worked goalkeeper Simla to beat.
And even with Pirates coach Kosta Papic throwing all his cards on to the table and making three second-half substitutions, the epidemic of wasted chances continued into the fateful four minutes of extra time. — Sapa