Peter Shalulile had the first real sight of goal in the 17th minute when he was played through on goal from a tight angle but the striker blazed his shot over the goal Six minutes later Oupa Manyisa, who was looking back to his old best, played a one-two with Thabo Matlaba before being smothered one-on-one with Tapuwa Kapini, who did well to close the angle. Just before half-time Franklin Cale came the closest yet, striking the crossbar from a direct free-kick that gave Siyabonga Mpontshane no chance. The Buccaneers came out sharper in the second half and immediately tested Kapini with a long-range drive from Abbubaker Mobara before the goakeeper also saved the follow-up attempt from Mpho Makola.

Just before the hour-mark Cale had another great chance when he met an inswinging cross seven yards out from goal but could not keep his diving header down. Pirates did most of the attacking for the remainder of the match and enjoyed the majority of possession but failed to make use of it, often failing to find the final pass or shot as the contest ended goalless.

TEAMS

Orlando Pirates: Mpontshane, Gcaba, Jele, Nyauza, Matlaba, Sarr, Mobara (Wome 69'), Manyisa, Makola, Lorch (Nkosi 80'), Ndoro (Memela 83')

Unused subs: Mhlongo, Phungwayo, Shitolo, Gabuza

Highlands Park: Kapini, Nhlapo, Oluwafemi, Ngalo, Katjiukua, Mvala, Khuboni, Mbatha (K Zwane 73'), Cale, Moriri, Shalulile (Lemessa 76')

Unused subs: Heugh, Koena, Komane, Ledwaba, Mbesuma