Orlando Pirates Reserves suffered a 3-2 defeat to Chippa United Reserves on their visit to Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
The Bucs Reserves picked up a rare draw in their previous outing, their first in the current DStv Diski Challenge campaign, and were looking to pick up maximum points to give themselves a chance of widening the gap between themselves and the chasing pack.
They started off looking quite determined, with captain Thabiso Monyane and star striker Boitumelo Radiopane both featuring prominently as they pushed forward, but without creating any out-and-out chances.
Chippa were not sitting back, and possession was shared evenly in the midfield throughout most of the first half.
It was the hosts who had the first clear-cut opportunity, launching a dangerous counter-attack and the move ended with Pirates goalkeeper Elson Sithole pulling off a brilliant save to keep scores level on the half-hour mark.
Things settled down towards the end of the first period, with no notable shots at goal to report at either end.
The start of the second half was a disaster for the Buccaneers, who were forced into costly errors inside their own box, resulting in two quick penalties for the hosts 10 minutes from the restart.
The two spot kicks afforded Chippa a two-goal advantage, as they made no mistake in punishing the visitors.
Pirates’ attempts at getting back into the contest were rebuffed by the home side, who looked confident on defence.
A woeful afternoon continued for the Bucs Reserves as Chippa made it 3-0 after instigating another counter, with the ball ending up in the back of the net this time around.
The Soweto Giants’ never-say-die attitude was on full display in the closing minutes, with second-half substitute Siphamandla Mdunge knocking the ball into the net to reduce the deficit to two goals with just 10 minutes remaining.
Things were even more promising for the Buccaneers two minutes later as Radiopane’s 17th goal of the season made it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
Chippa resisted the late fight back, and held on for a victory, handing the visitors their fourth defeat of the season.
Pirates Reserves XI: E. Sithole, Kabini, Dlamini (Mndebele 57’), Seemela (A. Sithole 65’), Manaka (Mdunge 65’), Spandiel, Temba, Khumalo, Ngiba, Monyane, Radiopane.
