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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates lost ground in the race for the league title after they were held to a goalless draw by top-flight rookies University of Pretoria at FNB Stadium on Saturday night.
The Buccaneers, in second place, narrowed the gap but remained four points behind Premiership table toppers Kaizer Chiefs, while Tuks continued their decent form, stretching their unbeaten run to three straight matches.
"We had the better chances, and we made some mistakes," admitted Pirates coach Roger de Sa. "We could have lost it in the end."
VIDEO: Pirates v Tuks, highlights
The visitors had their only real chance of the first half in the 26th minute, when Mame Niang watched his strike sail over the bar.
And Daine Klate had Pirates' best attempt shortly before the break, with a shot from the edge of the box, but Tuks goalminder Washington Arubi produced a diving save to keep the ball out.
With a sense of desperation, Bucs charged ahead in the closing stages, and after a moment of chaos in front of the Tuks goal, Happy Jele found the back of the net, but he was ruled offside.
Jele tried again with three minutes left, but his effort slammed against the woodwork.
Tuks were denied in injury time when Pirates 'keeper Senzo Meyiwa pulled off a superb reflex save to keep out a thunderous close-range strike from Bongani Zungu.
"We created enough chances at the end to win the game, so I'm proud of the boys," said Tuks coach Steve Barker.
"With the effort they put in, and the team spirit and unity, it bodes well for the rest of the season."
The Buccaneers, in second place, narrowed the gap but remained four points behind Premiership table toppers Kaizer Chiefs, while Tuks continued their decent form, stretching their unbeaten run to three straight matches.
"We had the better chances, and we made some mistakes," admitted Pirates coach Roger de Sa. "We could have lost it in the end."
VIDEO: Pirates v Tuks, highlights
The visitors had their only real chance of the first half in the 26th minute, when Mame Niang watched his strike sail over the bar.
And Daine Klate had Pirates' best attempt shortly before the break, with a shot from the edge of the box, but Tuks goalminder Washington Arubi produced a diving save to keep the ball out.
With a sense of desperation, Bucs charged ahead in the closing stages, and after a moment of chaos in front of the Tuks goal, Happy Jele found the back of the net, but he was ruled offside.
Jele tried again with three minutes left, but his effort slammed against the woodwork.
Tuks were denied in injury time when Pirates 'keeper Senzo Meyiwa pulled off a superb reflex save to keep out a thunderous close-range strike from Bongani Zungu.
"We created enough chances at the end to win the game, so I'm proud of the boys," said Tuks coach Steve Barker.
"With the effort they put in, and the team spirit and unity, it bodes well for the rest of the season."
