Orlando Pirates thrash Chippa United to move four points behind Kaizer Chiefs

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Orlando Pirates thrash Chippa United to move four points behind Kaizer Chiefs
Orlando Pirates players celebrate Patrick Maswanganyi's goal against Chippa United.

Orlando Pirates made it three straight wins in the PSL when they thrashed Chippa United 3-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.

Pirates were out of sight at halftime, having taken a 2-0 lead, thanks to Patrick Maswanganyi and Deon Hotto.

Chippa, under new coach Luc Eymael, were very much the architects of their own downfall when goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a poor attempt to play out from the back before the ball was intercepted for Maswanganyi to slot home and open the scoring in the 10th minute.

Pirates continued asking the questions until the second goal arrived in the 42nd minute when Chippa made another mistake at the back. A poor pass was intercepted again and this time, the ball fell to Hotto, who was unmarked in the box, and he slotted past Nwabali.

Controversial Pirates penalty saved

After the break, Pirates had a chance to extend their lead shortly upon resumption following a controversial penalty. Evidence Makgopa was brought down just outside the box but he took a tumble in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Replays showed that the foul was outside the box but without another chance to look at it and the Chippa bench complaining, the match official stood by his decision.

However, there was justice for the Chilli Boys as Maswangayi’s penalty was saved by Nwabali after the Nigerian goalkeeper dived the right way.

Pirates would keep coming and Thalente Mbatha, known for his long-range shots, attempted another one from distance, which was saved by Nwabali, while Maswangayi also had a great effort kept out by the Super Eagles No.1.

Moremi completes the rout for Buccaneers

Pirates’ enterprising display was rewarded with the third goal in the 66th minute when Tshepang Moremi completed a good counter-attacking move.

Against the run of play, Mbatha found Oswin Apppollis in the box but the winger, who was well marked, found Moremi on his bike and the new signing slotted low past Nwabali.

Soon after, Pirates suffered a scare when Maswanganyi was stretchered off with what looked like a groin problem to be replaced by Relebohile Mofokeng.

Pirates kept coming and Makgopa should have scored in the 83rd minute when he was found at the back post but he fired over.

Victory sees Pirates move to fifth on the table on nine points, four behind joint leaders Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs, and it is now three straight wins in the league for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team while they are unbeaten in five straight games in all competitions. 

<!-- 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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