Orlando Pirates put a CAF Confederation Cup nightmare behind them

Friday as they drew 1-1 with Mpumalanga Black Aces in the South African

Premiership.

In-form Buccaneers midfielder Mpho Makola put his team ahead on 21 minutes at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

But veteran Zambia striker Collins Mbesuma earned a point for the

visitors from north-east city Nelspruit by equalising on the stroke of

half-time.

Drawing enabled Aces to rise one place to fifth — a point behind

leaders Ajax Cape Town after four rounds — while Pirates climbed three

spots to ninth. 

Confederation Cup semi-finalists Pirates suffered a humiliating 4-1

defeat by Zamalek of Egypt in a final-round group game in Cairo five

days ago.

The South Africans were outclassed and only several brilliant saves

from young Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Felipe Ovono prevented an even

more embarrassing scoreline. 

Pirates have another Premiership match, away to Polokwane City

Tuesday, before hosting title-holders Al-Ahly of Egypt four days later

in the first leg of a Confederation Cup semi-final.

The Premiership, won last season by Kaizer Chiefs, is the richest

African national football league with a 10 million-rand ($750,000,

660,000 euros) first prize.