Orlando Pirates Reserves netted twice in the second half to claim a 2-0 win over TS Galaxy in Saturday’s DStv Diski Challenge encounter at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
It’s a third win in as many matches for the Bucs Reserves who strengthened their grip on second place in the Reserve League standings while separated by a single point from top spot.
They had to do some defending early on in the contest, with goalkeeper Zoey Monyepao required to make a save four minutes after the first whistle as the hosts went direct from a free kick.
This was nine before Mohau Nkota led a surge deep into The Rockets’ territory before blasting over the crossbar.
Pirates enjoyed a promising period around the half-hour mark, where Senzelumusa Sibiya came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot that went narrowly wide.
It looked like they had been rewarded for their sustained pressure in the 35th minute when they forced a foul inside the box, with the referee promptly pointing to the spot. However, Lonwabo Magugwana failed to convert as he stepped up to take the penalty, drawing a save from the keeper.
The Bucs defender had another opportunity from set play late in the first half as he went direct from a free kick, but could only drag his shot wide.
The two sides continued to toil in the second half in an effort to break the deadlock, but clear-cut chances were hard to come by at both ends.
This was until the 62nd minute when the Buccaneers were awarded a free kick, which was taken by Nkota who fired into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Despite taking the lead, the visitors did not let up in intensity, creating chances throughout the second half.
They were almost caught out late in the contest when Monyepao came to the rescue with an excellent reflex save to keep out a shot from close range.
Pirates were able to create some daylight between themselves and the hosts deep in injury time when Ciniso Mazibuko linked up with Jabulani Mokone, who calmly slotted in the second goal of the game.
That killed off any hopes for Galaxy to snatch a point, with Pirates clinching a vital victory on the road.
Pirates Reserves XI: Monyepao, Mbokazi, Magugwana, Mokone, Sibiya, Selepe, Molepo, Chibwe (Mnguni 71’), Nkota, Ndaba (Mdunge 71’), Magadla (Mazibuko 71’).
