Unbeaten Pirates Close The Gap On Downs In Title Race
Defending champions Orlando Pirates closed the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-0 win over struggling Marumo Gallants on Sunday afternoon.
Betway PremiershipTeams: Marumo Gallants v Orlando PiratesResult: 0-2Scorers: Kgositsile (32′), Sibisi (74′)
Buccaneers tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou made just one change from the win over Durban City on Thursday evening, as Simphiwe Selepe was handed a start in place of Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who dropped to the bench.
The visitors looked to make a lively start at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, with Tshepang Moremi proving to be a difficult customer to deal with while Mokobodi went close with a curling free-kick before the 15-minute mark.
The Buccaneers had to wait until the 26th minute for a threatening effort on target as the lively Masilela did well to set up Kabelo Kgositsile, who carved out some space before seeing his powerful strike saved by Emile Lako.
Kgositsile got his reward ten minutes later when he opened the scoring for the Buccaneers with his first league goal of the campaign, handing his side a deserved lead going into the halftime break.
The hosts made just one change at the halftime break as Nelson Ralenkoane replaced Mlungisi Sikakane, but it did not have an immediate effect on the encounter as the Buccaneers were still able to move the ball around with ease.
Pirates did go close to doubling their advantage after the hour mark when Thapelo Mokobodi carved out some space outside the area and let fly with a strike, but Lako was on hand to make the save and keep Gallants in the contest.
However, Pirates secured the two-goal cushion with 16 minutes to play as captain Nkosinathi Sibisi lost his marker to head home from the corner, opening his account for the campaign in the league.
The goal was enough to seal the win for the league champions, who now enter the international break one point behind Sundowns.
Marumo Gallants: Sekhukhune United (A), Siwelele FC (H), Golden Arrows (A), Richards Bay (H), Chippa United (A)
Orlando Pirates: African Stars (A), TS Galaxy (H), African Stars (H), Kaizer Chiefs (H), Siwelele FC (A)
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