Relebohile Mofokeng strikes as Orlando Pirates battle back to draw with Pafos in Spain

Looking to bounce back from their defeat to Bolton Wanderers on Friday, the Buccaneers rotated their squad, handing starts to Deano Van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Kabelo Dlamini, and Yanela Mbuthuma.

However, the South African side was caught off guard just six minutes in when a switch of play found Joao Correa in space on the flank. The Pafos attacker cut inside and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Pirates responded well, and their equaliser came midway through the first half. New signing Oswin Appollis picked out Relebohile Mofokeng with a pinpoint cross-field pass. Mofokeng, showing composure beyond his years, cut in from the right and fired home from a tight angle to level the score.

The Buccaneers nearly went ahead before halftime when Sipho Mbule unleashed a long-range effort that forced a sharp save from the Pafos goalkeeper.

Changes followed at the break, with Siyabonga Dladla replacing Sipho Chaine in goal, while Boitumelo Radiopane and Danis were also introduced. The substitutions injected fresh energy, and Radiopane came close with a shot on the turn that narrowly missed the target.

Despite further changes from both sides, the match remained evenly contested. Pirates maintained periods of sustained possession and showed attacking intent late on. They nearly snatched a winner in stoppage time through Karim Kimvuidi and Tshepang Moremi, but the move fizzled out before they could convert.

In the end, the Buccaneers will take positives from the performance - particularly the impact of younger players like Mofokeng - as their pre-season preparations continue.