Pirates earn encouraging draw against Pafos in Spain

SOUTH African tourists, Orlando Pirates FC, secured a 1-1 draw against Cypriot champions Pafos FC on Sunday afternoon at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain. The match formed part of their ongoing training camp as they prepare for the upcoming season.

- HERMAN GIBBS

Pafos, who will compete in the Uefa Champions League this season, provided a stern test, and Pirates will draw inspiration from the outcome. New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou continued with Sipho Mbule in midfield and handed first starts of the tour to new signings Oswin Appollis and Yanele Mbuthuma.

The encounter started on a sour note for the Buccaneers as Pafos capitalised on a defensive lapse when Joao Correia fired past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine just six minutes into the game. However, the Soweto giants quickly regrouped and found their equaliser in the 25th minute.