Maswanganyi scores late as Pirates survive Polokwane scare to retain top spot

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Maswanganyi scores late as Pirates survive Polokwane scare to retain top spot
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Orlando Pirates maintained their place at the top of the PSL standings following a 2-1 win over Polokwane City on Wednesday.

Pirates nearly dropped two points after Polokwane scored late but got the winner in stoppage time to collect all three points.

Relebohile Mofokeng broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute but Polokwane equalised four minutes from time through Bonginkosi Dlamini only for Patrick Maswanganyi to score the winner in stoppage time.

Relebohile Mofokeng. Photo – Orlando Pirates
Relebohile Mofokeng. Photo – Orlando Pirates

This came after a goalless first half when Pirates should have scored at least one goal. Oswin Appollis had drawn a good save from Polokwane goalkeeper Lindokuhle Mathebula with a thunderous low shot that the custodian parried away.

Pirates’ pressure pays off

That was after 18 minutes and a minute later, the Buccaneers should have gone ahead. A neat exchange of passes saw the ball passed to Andre de Jong and the midfielder was close to scoring when his effort from close range was deflected out.

Just moments later, Thabang Matuludi tested Sipho Chaine in Pirates’ goal but the goalkeeper was up to the task.

After the break, Pirates maintained the pressure and were rewarded with a goal seven minutes later. Against the run of play, De Jong brought in a cross which was punched out by Mathebula but the ball fell to Appollis and his effort was also saved by the custodian only for Mofokeng to head back in the net.

How did the Buccaneers win it?

After the goal, Pirates had further chances through Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma and Maswangayi but they all missed.

Moments later, they were made to pay when Makhehlene Makhaula made a mess of a ball with Dlamini getting in behind the Pirates defence to slot past Chaine.

That appeared to have denied Pirates two more points but in stoppage time, the Buccaneers regained their advantage. Against the run of play, Deon Hotto crossed in a delicious ball and Maswanganyi slotted home on the volley for 2-1.

With Mamelodi Sundowns also winning 2-1 against Golden Arrows, Pirates remained at the top of the table on goal difference with both sides on 44 points from 19 games.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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