Pirates caught napping, leaving second spot up for grabs
Second-placed Orlando Pirates and bottom-of-the-table Maritzburg United were hit by sucker punches on Wednesday in the South African Premiership.
Former Buccaneer Menzi Masuku nodded an added-time equaliser for Royal AM in a 1-1 draw against Pirates in Soweto that kept the race to finish runners-up in the balance.
Pirates dominated the match despite fielding a virtual B team because of an FA Cup semi-final against arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and should have won comfortably.
But for all their possession, they had to rely on an own-goal involving players aged 17 and 39 to take a first-half lead.
Teenager Relebohile Ratomo struck a loose ball after a corner into a crowded goalmouth and veteran Mozambican Elias 'Domingues' Pelembe deflected it past his goalkeeper, Mondli Mpoto.
Mid-table Royal barely threatened in the second half until substitute Masuku glanced a cross past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and into the corner of the net for his first goal of the season.
A win would have virtually guaranteed Pirates second spot with two rounds remaining, and qualification for the 2024 CAF Champions League with table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns.
Now the Sea Robbers must beat Sekhukhune United at home and AmaZulu away to be sure of second spot as third-placed SuperSport United are just two points behind.
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It could have been worse for Pirates as SuperSport were surprisingly held 0-0 by Stellenbosch in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Fourth-placed Chiefs fared even worse the previous day, losing 2-1 at home to resurgent Swallows, and trail Pirates by six points.
Maritzburg led twice at home against CAF Confederation Cup semi-finalists Marumo Gallants only to drop two points in a 2-2 draw when Mpho Mvelase levelled two minutes into added time.
Brandon Theron gave Maritzburg a half-time lead, Ranga Chivaviro equalised soon after coming off the bench and France-born Amadou Soukouna converted a penalty to put United ahead again.
But slacking marking at a free-kick allowed Mvelase to nod the ball past goalkeeper King Ndlovu from close range and snatch a valuable point for lowly Marumo.
Maritzburg have 26 points, three less than Chippa United, who trail Marumo on goal difference. The club finishing last are relegated and the side coming second last go into play-offs.
Substitute Aviwe Mqokozo scored twice as perennial strugglers Chippa came from two goals behind to win 3-2 at Richards Bay, who have gone 12 Premiership matches without a win.
