Aces hold Pirates to a draw

Cape Town - It certainly wasn't the result they wanted, but Orlando Pirates were made to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Mpumalanga Black Aces on Friday night. 

The match was a catch-up fixture after Pirates missed last weekend's PSL matches due to their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup. 

Pirates had taken the lead in the 18th minute through Mpho Makola, but Aces were level on 45 minutes through Collins Mbesuma. 

Aces had goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters to thank for keeping them in the game - the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Maritzburg United man pulling off a string of fine saves in the second half. 

The draw sees Pirates move up to ninth position on the log, ahead of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Orlando Pirates 1 (Makola 18')

Mpumalanga Black Aces 1 (Collins Mbesuma 45')