Pirates Reserves held 1-1 by De Graafschap on Netherlands tour

Orlando Pirates’ reserve side drew 1-1 with De Graafschap on Thursday, conceding three minutes after taking the lead in their second match of the Netherlands tour. The result followed a 5-0 defeat by SBV Vitesse in the opening game, leaving the Young Buccaneers without a win from their two matches in the Netherlands.

Pirates began with purpose and fashioned several openings during the first 10 minutes, but could not turn their pressure into a goal. Mpho Padime then came close from a set-piece after 15 minutes, sending his effort wide as the visitors continued to press.

The South African side remained unable to finish its chances after the midway point of the first half. Their best opportunity before the break fell to Samukelo Zikalala in the 42nd minute, when he created space for a quick shot that struck the post before being gathered by the goalkeeper.

Michael Dokunmu had earlier recorded De Graafschap’s second attempt of the match when he shot wide with five minutes left in the first half. The home side became the more dangerous team after the interval, while the second half produced fewer clear openings than the first.

Pirates’ task became harder in the 80th minute when Siku Kubayi received a straight red card for unsporting conduct. Despite playing with 10 men, the visitors finally broke through four minutes from full time, with Padime finishing to put them in front.

The advantage lasted only three minutes. De Graafschap responded with an equaliser in the 89th minute, denying Pirates a first victory on the tour and forcing them to settle for a draw after their earlier heavy loss.