VANDERBIJLPARK.- Orlando Pirates will be wondering how they failed to secure all three points after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Jomo Cosmos at Isak Steyl Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite dominating the ABC Motsepe League clash, the visitors were left to regret a string of missed opportunities.

For the first 15 minutes of the game, Pirates had Cosmos with their back against the wall. Ezenkosi looked like they were still in the dressing room as Pirates continued with dominance.

Pirates could have easily headed into the break with a 3-0 lead. However, despite their dominance, they failed to convert a single chance, leaving the score level at half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern.

A waste of clear chances…

Pirates continued to waste clear-cut chances even when face-to-face with the Cosmos goalkeeper.

Cosmos broke the deadlock to take a surprise lead. This sparked an immediate response from the Pirates bench, with coach Joseph ‘Duku Duku’ Makhanya and his staff making several desperate substitutions. Mthokosizi Balakasi, a former Kaizer Chiefs development player, was brought on and made an immediate impact.

Pirates threw players forward and were eventually rewarded with an equalising goal.

Pirates thought they had won it late on when they found the back of the net for a second time. However, the assistant referee ruled the goal out for a foul on the Cosmos goalkeeper, cutting short the celebrations at the corner flag.

When the final whistle blew, the contrast in emotions was clear.

Pirates players collapsed to the ground in disappointment, knowing they had let a victory slip away. Meanwhile, the Cosmos bench looked relieved to escape with a share of the spoils.

Ultimately, it was a game Pirates should have won comfortably.