Orlando Pirates Fall Further Behind Mamelodi Sundowns After Stellenbosch Stalemate

Orlando Pirates title hopes were all but ended as they were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Stellenbosch at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night in a Betway Premiership encounter.

Despite having three games in hand, the Sea Robbers saw their gap to Mamelodi Sundowns stretch to 18 points after the log leaders dispatched AmaZulu 2-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, also on Tuesday night.

The Bucs were left frustrated after huffing and puffing their way through the match in Cape Town, failing to capitalize on their one-man advantage for the entire second half to keep their slim championship ambitions alive.

Matchups between these two teams have frequently been historic, and with changes made to their starting XI after their Nedbank Cup exploits at the weekend, a high-tempo game was anticipated. With tensions high and both teams going full throttle from the opening whistle, Stellies suffered a huge setback in the 35th minute when defender Brian Onyango was sent off.

The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns man was adjudged to have dragged down Tshegofatso Mabasa on his way to goal and was subsequently sent for an early shower, handing Pirates an advantage. However, the home side, despite being a man down, held their own defensively and ground out a point in a nearly impossible situation.