Leaders Pirates hit back to draw

South African Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates came from behind in Cape Town to force a 1-1 draw with Ajax and stretch their advantage over Mamelodi Sundowns to three points. Midfielder George Maluleka put the home team ahead midway through the first half before a large public-holiday crowd at Cape Town Stadium and defender and captain Lucky Lekgwathi levelled three minutes later. The match began dramatically with Pirates full-back Bheki Nzunga blacking out and suffering a mild fit after colliding with Clint Julies, but hospital staff said later he was in a "stable" condition. It was the third consecutive draw for defending champions Pirates, who have 49 points followed by Sundowns (46), SuperSport United (45), Moroka Swallows (44), Free State Stars (42) and Kaizer Chiefs (40). However, Sundowns have a game in hand and if they win at home on Sunday against second-last Santos they will regain first place on goal difference with three rounds left. Sundowns have won the Premiership five times, Pirates and SuperSport three times each, Chiefs twice and Santos and now defunct Manning Rangers once each since its 1996 launch.