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The first 45 minutes was an evenly contested battle as both sides had their fare share of chances in front of goal. Neither, however, could produce that piece of magic that would break the deadlock.
The Buccaneers certainly settled the quicker of the two teams and found their passing rhythm within seconds of the kick-off. Consequently the first chance of the game fell the way of the visiting side in the 11th minute.
Katlego Mashego broke down the right flank before cutting in field and letting fly with his right boot from about 20 yards out. His shot, however, did not match the build-up play as it sailed wide of the target.
Slowly, Celtic’s midfield began finding their footing and hence they were able to create their first decent chance of the game in the 20th minute when Ditheko Mototo fired in a powerful shot from 30 yards out. Moeneeb Josephs, in the Buccaneers goal, could only wash in thanks as the shot just skimmed the wrong side of the upright.
The half had a nice ebb and flow to it as both sides tried to press forward in attack. Both sides opted for the shoot on sight policy throughout the half, but with very little success.
That, however, was not the case three minutes into the second half when Ndumiso Mabena gave the Buccaneers the lead.
Mashego was the source of the goal as he played a great through ball for Mabena to run onto, where he found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Phunya Sele Sele goalie. Mabena showed some great composure to finish expertly and give his side a well deserved lead.
Andile Jali nearly doubled Pirates lead ten minutes later when he brought the best out of Patrick Tignyemb in the Celtic goal. Jali fired a pile-driver of shot from about 20 yards out that looked goal-bound, but Tignyemb was at his best diving full stretch to his right to parry the attempt away from danger.
Thereafter, the Phunya Sele Sele started to dominate the midfield battle which eventually led to the equaliser in the 71st minute, thanks to a second half substitute. A good passing movement resulted in Bongani Ndulula finding himself with the ball at his feet 12 yards out from goal. Ndulula did not waste the opportunity firing the ball past a sprawling Josephs and leveling matters on the day, 1-1.
No side could find the winning goal from there on out as the game ended 1-1 and the sides shared the spoils in their last league game of the 2009/10 PSL season.
