Argyle with Rooney at the Helm Draw 2-2 Against Orlando Pirates in Pre-Season Opener

Plymouth Argyle, managed by former Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney, kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 2-2 draw against South African side Orlando Pirates in scorching temperatures in Marbella.

Rooney’s side fielded two different elevens in each half, with Freddie Issaka and Callum Wright netting to secure the draw in front of the traveling Green Army supporters.

Argyle’s Bali Mumba and Mustapha Bundu showed early promise with their link-up play, but neither side could break the deadlock in the opening exchanges.

Orlando Pirates took the lead through a scrappy goal before Argyle equalized swiftly through a well-taken strike by Freddie Issaka after excellent work by Joe Edwards.

In the second half, Issaka earned a penalty that was saved by Michael Cooper, but he played a pivotal role in setting up Callum Wright for Argyle’s second goal with a mesmerizing run down the left wing.

New signing Ibrahim Cissoko made an immediate impact, providing an assist for Wright who finished with aplomb to level the scores once more.

Tshegofatso Mabasa and Sephelo Baloni had chances for Orlando Pirates, while Tshegofatso Mabasa hit the post late on in a game that saw both sides work hard in the extreme heat.

The match finished even at 2-2, giving both teams valuable playing time and a chance to fine-tune their tactics ahead of the new season.