Orlando Pirates sink Chippa United to go level with Sundowns at the top

Orlando Pirates have matched Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on points after a commanding 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, November 25. The Buccaneers now sit joint-top of the table, trailing the Brazilians only by a +2 goal difference, and still boast a game in hand.

Second-half strikes from Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis sealed an eighth win in nine matches for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s in-form side, who continue to pile pressure on the reigning champions.

Pirates entered the clash chasing their 11th win of the season to keep pace with Sundowns, while Chippa were desperate to halt a six-match winless streak that has left them rooted in the relegation zone.

The Soweto giants dominated from the outset, creating chance after chance in the first half. Chippa had the first real opportunity when Bienvenu Eva Nga tested Sipho Chaine early on, but the hosts responded with a flurry of efforts, forcing Dumisani Msibi into several saves to deny Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng.

After a goalless first half, Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Mofokeng’s incisive pass released Deon Hotto, who squared for Makgopa to tap home. Chippa threatened a quick response, but Chaine stood firm with two crucial saves before Appollis wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time.

Final Score:
Orlando Pirates (0) 2 (Makgopa 75′, Appollis 90+4′)
Chippa United 0

Orlando Pirates XI: S. Chaine, T. Lebitso, L. Seema, N. Sibisi, D. Hotto, M. Nemtajela, T. Mbatha (M. Makhaula 61′), R. Mofokeng, S. Mbule (O. Appollis 62′), T. Moremi (K. Dlamini 82′), Y. Mbuthuma (E. Makgopa 61′).

Chippa United XI: D. Msibi, S. Kammies, H. Majadibodu, I. Fasika, M. Modise, S. Seabi (R. Gamildien 82′), A. Mariko (S. Ntsundwana 46′), J. Figuareido, A. Matrose (A. Bonani 72′), X. Sithole (B. Madingwane 46′), B. Eva Nga (B. Hlophe 58′).