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.
Pirates can redeem themselves with a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday against champions-in-waiting Sundowns. Stellies, meanwhile, travel to Polokwane to face Sekhukhune United.
Meanwhile, at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, Magesi leaped out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over the equally endangered Richards Bay. Dikwena Tsa Meetse took a huge stride towards survival as they overtook Marumo Gallants, who play on Wednesday night against an Eric Tinkler-inspired Sekhukhune United.
The Natal Rich Boyz’ six-game unbeaten run came to a calamitous end as they fell to a relegation rival, increasing the pressure on the KwaZulu-Natal-based side. They next face Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend.