Orlando Pirates' Betway Premiership clash against Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon became a tale of two halves, with the Buccaneers ultimately rallying for a 2-1 win.
Jose Riveiro fielded the same Pirates side initially slated to play Golden Arrows before their match was postponed, with Tshegofatso Mabasa leading the forward line.
From the whistle, Pirates demonstrated attacking ambition, with Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng forcing saves from City's keeper Darren Keet in the opening exchanges.
However, against the run of play, it was Cape Town City who drew first blood. In the 21st minute, Haashim Domingo found the back of the net past Sipho Chaine for his first league goal, momentarily silencing the Pirates' home fans.
Despite conceding, Pirates continued to dominate possession, but Cape Town City's defense remained steadfast, limiting the Buccaneers to long-range attempts.
PIRATES SUFFERED MASWANGANYI SETBACK
A setback for Pirates came after the hour when Patrick Maswanganyi was stretchered off, replaced by Mohau Nkota. Goodman Mosele also returned from injury, substituting Makhehlene Makhaula.
These substitutions proved inspired. Nkota swiftly made his mark, surging down the left wing and delivering a perfect pass to Mabasa, who expertly placed the ball into the corner for his fifth league goal, leveling the score.
Even after conceding the equalizer, City pressed for a winner, reinforced by the introduction of Darwin Gonzalez, their previous match-winner against Pirates.
However, it was another Pirates substitute, Mosele, who secured victory. With just four minutes remaining, he capitalized on a corner kick, forcing the ball home for his first goal of the season and sealing the 2-1 win for the Buccaneers.
