Orlando Pirates missed a massive chance to put the Betway Premiership title race firmly in their hands after being held to a goalless draw by Durban City on Saturday afternoon.
After Mamelodi Sundowns slipped to a shock defeat against TS Galaxy earlier in the week, the door had suddenly swung wide open for the Buccaneers.
ORLANDO PIRATES STRUGGLE TO FIND THE BREAKTHROUGH
A win would have pulled the Buccaneers level on points with the defending champions heading into the final stretch of the season.
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Instead, the Sea Robbers left the field frustrated after spending most of the afternoon trying to break down a Durban City side that arrived in Soweto with one clear plan, defend deep, stay compact and leave with something.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made a few surprising calls before kick-off. Simphiwe Selepe was handed his first start of the season after recently featuring in the DStv Diski Challenge, while Yanela Mbuthuma got the nod ahead of Evidence Makgopa in attack.
Pirates had plenty of the ball early on but struggled to create clean chances despite the presence of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis in the final third.
The Buccaneers then suffered a setback before halftime when Mbuthuma was forced off injured after just 38 minutes. Makgopa came on to loud cheers from the home supporters, who were desperate for more attacking urgency.
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DURBAN CITY HOLD FIRM
Orlando Pirates came out stronger after the break and increased the pressure almost immediately. Thalente Mbatha and Mofokeng both tried their luck from distance as the hosts pushed harder for the breakthrough.
Durban City, however, refused to change their approach. They continued sitting deep, slowing the game down and frustrating Pirates with numbers behind the ball.
Ouaddou eventually turned to his bench again, bringing on returning Bafana Bafana winger Tshepang Moremi for Patrick Maswanganyi, while Abdoulaye Mariko replaced Selepe.
But the breakthrough never came.
Durban City held on for a valuable point that boosted their top-eight hopes, while Pirates now head into the final day knowing they must beat Orbit College to keep their Betway Premiership title dream alive.