Stellenbosch put in a gritty performance to hold Orlando Pirates to a 0-0 draw at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening, despite being reduced to 10 men for over an hour of their match in the Betway Premiership.
Pirates, looking to close the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, dominated the first half, creating several chances and enjoying the majority of possession.
However, they were unable to break down the Stellenbosch defence, and it was the home team's Brian Onyango who had a nightmare outing, being sent off in the 35th minute for bringing down Tshegofatso Mabasa.
The resulting free kick taken by Kabelo Dlamini was powerful and aimed at the top corner, but it hit the crossbar, denying Pirates the lead.
Stellenbosch goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke was well beaten, but his team's defence held firm.
In the second half, Stellenbosch showed great fighting spirit, and Ibraheem Jabaar had a chance to give them the lead, but the Pirates centre halves dealt with the danger.
Despite being a man down, Stellenbosch worked hard to keep Pirates at bay and the visitors were unable to find the winning goal.
In the end the match ended in a goalless draw, with Pirates walking away with a point, but perhaps feeling that they could have done better with the man advantage.
Stellenbosch 0
Orlando Pirates 0
Stellenbosch: O. Masuluke, E. Godswill, B. Onyango, T. Moloisane, F. Basadien, G. Palace, S. Nduli, D. Titus (A. Mcaba 46’), A. de Jong (I. Jabaar 46’), C. Butsaka (L. Nku 64’), A. Cupido (S. Barns 64’)
Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, D. Hotto, M. Mbokazi, N. Sibisi, D. van Rooyen (B. Shandu 87’), K. Dlamini (P. Maswanganyi 62’), M. Makhaula, G. Mosele (N. Ndlondlo 78’), R. Mofokeng, T. Mabasa, M. Nkota