Orlando Pirates brush aside Stellenbosch to close in on title rivals Sundowns

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Orlando Pirates brush aside Stellenbosch to close in on title rivals Sundowns
Evidence Makgopa and Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates celebrate a goal against Stellenbosch FC. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates narrowed the gap with Mamelodi Sundowns to two points following a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday.

Patrick Maswanganyi was central to both goals as he created the first one before scoring the second with Abdeslam Ouaddiu’s men getting the reward for their enterprising display.

Pirates almost took an early lead when Enyinnaya Godswill nearly headed in his own net as he attempted to clear the ball before goalkeeper Sage Stephens reacted quickly to keep it out.

Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates vies for the ball with Devin Titus of Stellenbosch FC.
Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates vies for the ball with Devin Titus of Stellenbosch FC. Image: Orlando Pirates

The home side, however, stood firm in the early exchanges, repelling most of the attacks from Pirates until they were undone on the set-piece.

Maswanganyi’s magic does it for Pirates

As the first half wore on, Pirates went on the attack with Relebohile Mofokeng charging towards the Stellies’ goal before he was brought down just outside the box, leading to a freekick.

Maswanganyi stepped up and floated in a good ball which Evidence Makgopa headed home after winning it ahead of Stellenbosch’s two experienced defenders Olisa Ndah and Mosa Lebusa.

That was in the 42nd minute and four minutes later, Pirates were celebrating a second which was scored in some fortunate circumstances.

Maswanganyi made a run to the right and floated in what appeared to be a cross directed to Makgopa but the ball went all the way into the net after Stephens missed it under a challenge from the striker.

Buccaneers hoping for favours from Chiefs

Makgopa, who got a rare start ahead of Yanela Mbuthuma, might have not scored but he had a great impact on the second goal as his attempt to head the ball deceived the Stellies goalkeeper.

Orlando Pirates' Kamogelo Sebelebele controls the ball during their PSL match against Stellenbosch FC.
Orlando Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele controls the ball during their PSL match against Stellenbosch FC. Image: Orlando Pirates

That led to a 2-0 lead for Pirates at the break and upon resumption, Stellenbosch improved and kept the Buccaneers away from their goal.

They nearly grabbed one back against the run of play but saw their effort hit the post 15 minutes from time. Pirates would have another chance to seal the points eight minutes from time when Oswin Appollis made a great run forward before crossing to Mofokeng whose header went just wide.

Pirates, who have the meanest defence in the league that has conceded just 12 goals, held onto their lead to win and take their tally to 62 points, two behind leaders Sundowns with three games remaining.

With Sundowns hosting Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, Pirates will be hoping that the Brazilians drop points for them to close in and win their first PSL title since 2012.

<!-- 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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