Orlando Pirates’ title challenge suffered another setback after they played out to a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Friday night.
Jose Riveiro’s side went into the break one goal to the good courtesy of Patrick Maswanganyi’s opener in the 39th minute, but Given Mashikinya hit back for Rise And Shine 18 minutes from time to extend their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership to five matches.
The Buccaneers moved up to 12th position, some 15 points adrift of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Limpopo outfit climbing to fourth in the standings on 15 points.
Pirates were targeting a return to winning ways after being held to a 0-0 draw by AmaZulu on Tuesday which left them winless in their last two games, while Polokwane hoped to continue their good run of form after going unbeaten in their previous four outings.
The visitors made the better start and created an early chance in the 10th minute when Hlayisi Chauke tested Melusi Buthelezi with a strike from inside the area before Bulelani Nikani saw his header expertly saved by the Bucs goalkeeper on 24 minutes.
Manuel Sapunga was finally called into action just after the half-hour mark, although Karim Kimvuidi’s shot from inside of the area on the left was routine for the Equatorial Guinea gloveman.
Kaitano Tembo’s side almost hit them on the counter moments later, but Ndumiso Mabena flashed his shot just wide of the left post from range after being played through by Oswin Appollis.
The opening goal would arrive at the other end, however, as Thembinkosi Lorch found Maswanganyi inside the box and the midfielder tucked his shot past Sapunga to give the hosts the lead on 39 minutes.
Maswanganyi nearly struck again in the final minute of the half, but Sapunga pulled off a fine save to deny him from distance.
The Sea Robbers went on the attack early in the second half and Thabiso Monyane drew a comfortable save out of Sapunga in the 53rd minute after being played in on the right by Maswanganyi.
Polokwane did well to restrict them as the second half wore on and they got their reward when Mashikinya lined up a shot from range that flew into the top right corner of the net, giving Buthelezi no chance.
The Soweto giants toiled away in the closing stages without success as they had to settle for a share of the spoils once more.