Orlando Pirates sink Richards Bay to dislodge Mamelodi Sundowns from top spot

Orlando Pirates responded to Mamelodi Sundowns’ by winning their match against Richards Bay, securing a 2-0 victory at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.

The decisive moments arrived after 26 minutes, when Oswin Appollis swept home from Kamogelo Sebelebele’s cross, and in stoppage time through Evidence Makgopa’s penalty.

Relebohile Mofokeng went on the counter attack before passing to Sabelelebele, who crossed low into the box with the ball falling to Appollis, who scored past Ian Otieno in Richards Bay’s goal.

Orlando Pirates waste chances

Pirates should have been two goals to the good a couple of minutes later when the ball fell to Patrick Maswanganyi but he could not beat Otieno after a good pass from ex-Richards Bay man Yanela Mbuthuma.

Deon Hotto then tested Otieno with a well-taken freekick in the 32^nd minute as the Buccaneers went to halftime leading 1-0.

After the break, Otieno was forced into another great save when Tshepang Moremi stung his palms with a shot at the far post while on the other end, Richards Bay squandered a great chance to equalise.

Bucs leave it late to regain top spot

In a rare foray forward, there was a mix-up in the Pirates defence and Luyanda Khumalo got a chance on goal but instead of shooting, he passed and saw the chance go to waste.

Mofokeng then came close to scoring a beauty from long range but saw his effort saved by Otieno. However, in stoppage time, Pirates got a chance to extend their lead.

In their final attack in the four minutes that were added on, Baggio Tuli-Ngenovali Nashixwa fouled Moremi in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Evidence Makgopa, having just come on, stepped up and calmly sent Otieno the wrong way for 2-0. That goal saw Pirates move from second to first on the table on goal difference with both the Buccaneers and Sundowns tied on 47 points but the Soweto giants having an extra goal advantage.