By Levy Masiteng
Orlando Pirates suffered a major setback in their Betway Premiership title chase after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Richards Bay FC at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium on Friday night.
The Mighty Buccaneers, who began the match one point behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, needed a win to keep their title hopes firmly in their own hands. Instead, they were held despite dominating large spells.
Richards Bay took an early lead through Thulani Gumede in the 10th minute.
Pirates responded after the break when Oswin Appollis equalised in the 52nd minute to swing momentum.
However, Lindokuhle Zikhali restored the hosts’ advantage seven minutes later, leaving Pirates chasing the game.
Lebone Seema rescued a point deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+2 minute to level matters.
The result leaves Pirates on 55 points from 24 matches, still one behind Sundowns, who are in Tunisia for a CAF Champions League fixture against Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
Despite the late equaliser, the draw could prove costly in the title race.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisted the race was not over.
“A lot of people can think that it’s over, but we don’t think like that; we have to play until the end,” he said.
“Our plan was not to concede and keep clean sheets, but today that area was a little bit weak. When you concede two goals here, it’s very difficult to score three.”
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