Pirates frustrated by AmaZulu in Durban

Orlando Pirates were held to a 0-0 draw by AmaZulu FC in an Absa Premiership match at the Zwelithini Stadium on in Durban Tuesday night.

The draw saw Usuthu climb up to 15th place on the league standings, while Bucs remained ninth on the log.

The match got off to a lively start as Usuthu and Bucs launched attacks in search of an early goal.

The hosts came very close to scoring when AmaZulu forward Andre De Jong's long-range shot hit the crossbar ten minutes into the match.

At the other end, Pirates winger Vincent Pule hit the upright with a glancing header in the 17th minute as the two teams pushed for the opening goal.

The visitors then took control of the match, but Rulani Mokwena's charges were wasteful in front of goal.

Xola Mlambo unleashed a shot which was easily saved by AmaZulu goalkeeper Neil Boshoff before Frank Mhango placed his effort wide of the target from inside the box.

AmaZulu then stood firm at the back and the score was 0-0 at the interval with Pirates having dominated the first half, but they could not find the back of the net.

Pirates continued to search for the opening goal after the restart and they had a chance to take the lead after some good work by Asavela Mbekile in the 53rd minute.

The fullback played a good cross for Pule, who placed his effort over the crossbar from inside the box with the hosts' defence caught ball watching.

Usuthu grew in confidence as the second half progressed and they began unleashing powerful shots from long range.

Sibusiso Mabiliso pulled the trigger from long range and the AmaZulu left-back's effort flew just over the crossbar in the 65th minute.

De Jong also tried his luck from long range and his attempt was brilliantly saved by Pirates keeper Wayne Sandilands with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Both teams launched attacks in the closing stages of the game as they looked to grab a late winning goal, but it never came and the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

AmaZulu 0

Pirates 0

AmaZulu: Boshoff, T.Gumede, Sikhakhane, Xoki, Mabiliso (M.Gumede 76'), Sithebe, Vilakazi, Magaqa (Chawapiwa 68'), Ncobeni, De Jong, Ntuli (Cele 84').

Pirates: Sandilands, Jele, Mbekile, Ndlovu (Shonga 86'), Maela, Mlambo, Mako, Makaringe, Pule (T.Mabaso 65'), Lorch, Mhango (Tlolane 81').