In an engaging Betway Premiership encounter at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night, Orlando Pirates narrowly defeated Golden Arrows 2-1.
This result keeps the Buccaneers' faint league title hopes alive, reducing the gap to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to nine points, with Pirates still having a game in hand.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro opted for seven changes to his starting eleven from the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs the previous weekend. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bandile Shandu, Tapelo Xoki, and Makhehlene Makhaula were the only players who retained their places from the side that triumphed over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium last Saturday.
The midweek crowd at the stadium witnessed an exciting display of football from both teams. Despite numerous opportunities created, neither side managed to break the deadlock before halftime.
Arrows strategically targeted the left wing looking to bring in crosses.
Abafana Bes’thende's first threat came in the third minute through this very tactic. Mthanti outpaced Madiba and unleashed a powerful shot that Melusi Buthelezi parried away, with the Pirates defence clearing the subsequent danger.
A minute later, the Buccaneers had their own chance when Shandu's shot-cum-cross went across the face of the goal, but no teammate was there to tap it in.
Pirates nearly conceded from an 11th-minute corner, but Nhlanhla Zwane's unchallenged header went just wide.
Karim Kimvuidi then showcased individual brilliance, beating his marker before his deflected shot went narrowly wide for a Pirates corner. From the resulting corner, Xoki's close-range shot went off target.
Just before halftime, Mthanti almost gave Abafana Bes’thende the lead, but after outpacing Xoki, his shot also went narrowly wide.
Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Kabelo Dlamini delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Patrick Maswanganyi. Maswanganyi timed his run well, dribbled past goalkeeper Edward Maova, and slotted the ball into the empty net.
However, Abafana Bes’thende responded quickly, equalizing just eight minutes later. Mthanti connected with a well-placed cross from Velemseni Ndwandwe, beating Buthelezi with a neat finish.
TSHEGO MABASA’S WINNING GOAL
Substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa then secured the victory for Pirates in the 73rd minute, volleying home a loose ball after Arrows failed to clear their lines.
Pirates will return to the same venue on Saturday to face their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs once again, this time in the Nedbank Cup final.
