Orlando Pirates added three more points to their Betway Premiership tally with a hard-fought 1-0 win in Wednesday night’s clash against Chippa United played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
In a highly physical encounter, the Buccaneers were forced to dig deep for glory as they sought to bounce back following the disappointment from the past weekend. They emerged with their 13th win in the Premiership this season, consolidating their spot in second place with a fair amount of games still to be played.
Things kicked off at a frantic pace with the two sides trading shots at goal in the first five minutes. Bucs defender Siyabonga Ndlozi was first to have a go, latching on to a loose ball before knocking it wide. His attempt was followed by a similar result at the other end when Giovanni Philander brushed the side netting with his effort from a direct free kick.
Shots on target eluded the visitors for much of the first quarter as Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo Dlamini both failed to find their bearings. It was a similar scenario for the hosts with Philander causing problems for the defence without doing much to trouble goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa did manage to draw Stanley Nwabali into a save in the 22nd minute, albeit with a tame effort that was easily kept out. He was again played in by Mofokeng just after the half-hour mark, only succeeding in firing straight at the Nigerian international.
The deadlock lasted until late in the first half with a Bucs corner in injury time eventually producing the opener. The set piece was whipped in towards the near post by Mofokeng, with defender Nkosinathi Sibisi doing well to lose his marker before heading in past Nwabali to put his side in the lead at a crucial time.
After emerging from the break, the Buccaneers looked to swiftly double their advantage early in the second period. They advanced into Chilli Boys’ territory with the resultant opportunity spurned by Nkota who had done all the hard work on the right flank before skying his effort at goal. Dlamini followed suit in the 57th minute, linking up with Mabasa before failing to breach the shot-stopper’s defences.
Pirates maintained their control for much of the second half, and looked to have extended their lead late on when substitute midfielder Goodman Mosele found the back of the net, only for his goal to be disallowed after the ball was adjudged to have rolled into touch during the build-up. That did not deter the visitors, who continued to push forward while controlling possession.
Their impressive game management was to see them through in the end as they held on to clinch a vital win, also completing a league double over Chippa in the process.
Pirates XI: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndlozi, Hotto, Makhaula, Mbatha (Mosele 62’), Dlamini (Mako 62’), Nkota (Shandu 88’), Mabasa (Makgopa 82’).
