Report | Argyle 2-2 Orlando Pirates
Argyle 2 - 2 Orlando Pirates – Issaka 35, Wright 63
First-half team | Cooper, Edwards ©, Pleguezuelo, Gibson, Earley, Bundu (Issaka 30), Randell, Roberts, Mumba, Tijani, Waine.
Second-half team | Hazard, Sorinola, Matthews, Galloway, Ogbeta, Issaka (Cissoko 60), Gyabi, Houghton, Whittaker, Wright, Hardie.
Argyle drew their opening game of pre-season against Orlando Pirates in searing heat in Marbella.
Wayne Rooney’s side twice went behind but goals from Freddie Issaka and Callum Wright salvaged a 2-2 draw in front of the travelling Green Army.
Argyle played two different elevens in both halves, with the focus on providing the squad with valuable minutes as preparations continue for the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season.
The first chance of the game fell to Mustapha Bundu after brilliant work from Bali Mumba on the left, who drove 30 yards up the pitch before cutting back to the former. Bundu’s strike at goal was blocked well by a defender.
Orlando Pirates immediately looked to respond as their striker found space in the box and should have scored, but he skied it well over the bar.
Bundu was involved in good Argyle play again as Joe Edwards combined brilliantly with Tijani who freed Bundu, but his low cross was well cleared behind. The corner almost found Ben Waine at the front post but was headed clear.
Monnapule Saleng then should have put Orlando ahead after 19 minutes. He got in behind the Argyle defence, although appeared to be offside, and dragged his shot wide.
Adam Randell was good on the ball for Argyle throughout and his lofted pass found Bundu beautifully, he got to the byline and cut back for Waine who scuffed his shot straight into Sipho Chaine’s hands.
Michael Cooper was the next goalkeeper in action as he saved well low down from Evidence Makgopa, but he couldn’t prevent Orlando Pirates going ahead. A low cross from the right-hand side was bundled in by a combination of attacker and defender.
Argyle responded immediately with Edwards doing well on the right again. He crossed low for Waine who saw his shot blocked, but it came back to Issaka who lashed home.
The lead didn’t last long for Argyle though, as poor defending from a corner saw the ball drop to Olisa Ndah who found the top corner from eight yards out.
The second half started with Issaka winning a penalty after some excellent skill saw him fouled. Hardie took the spot kick, but it was well saved by the goalkeeper.
Minutes later, Tshegofatso Mabasa found space but couldn’t finish the chance as he struck a volley over the bar. Sephelo Baloni then then had a chance from range, but his shot went well wide.
Issaka continued his fine cameo as his mazy run saw him beat four defenders on the left before the opportunity broke down. That was his last contribution as he was replaced by new summer signing Ibrahim Cissoko.
He immediately introduced himself to the Argyle fans after an incredible run on the left saw him drive at the Orlando Pirates defender. Five step overs later the defender was beaten, and he crossed low for Wright at the back post to fire home.
Wright then had the next best chance of the match after a through ball from Gyabi saw him through on goal. He rounded the goalkeeper, but the Pirates defender got back brilliantly to block on the line.
Orlando nearly took the lead late on as Mabasa twisted and turned in the box, but his low shot came back off the post.
Hardie almost won it for Argyle in added time as he flicked a cross goalwards but could only find the side netting, and that was that.
The game finished level, with both sides getting a good work out in the 35-degree heat.
