Orlando Pirates’ title aspirations suffered a major blow following their 2-0 defeat away to Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
Pirates kicked off at the Free State Stadium knowing that they had a big task as table toppers Mamelodi Sundowns had beaten Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 earlier on Saturday to open up an 18-point lead.
However, instead of getting the win they needed, it was Gallants who eased their relegation woes as they went ahead through Gabadinho Mhango’s 15th minute goal. The forward tapped in from close range from a freekick to set the tone for the rest of the match.
Gallants secure well-deserved win
Tshegofatso Mabasa should have equalised in the 35th minute but he could not direct his header on target as Gallants went in at halftime leading 1-0.
In the second half, Pirates should have been level when Relebohile Mofokeng came close but Kagiso Mlambo pulled off a great save to deny him and three minutes later, Gallants nearly doubled their advantage.
A great ball from the defence saw Daniel Msendami beat his markers for pace but Sipho Chaine came to Pirates’ rescue, making a one-on-one save to deny him after the goalkeeper had made himself big.
Pirates would shoot themselves in the foot when Thalente Mbatha scored an unfortunate own goal 17 minutes from time.
Can Pirates catch Sundowns?
Against the run of play, Gallants had put Pirates on the back foot and in an attempt to intercept a pass, Mbathat directed the ball into his own net to all but end his team’s hopes for a comeback.
Defeat leaves Pirates on 36 points from 16 matches and they now must win all their four matches in hand to narrow the gap with Sundowns to six points as the Brazilians look like they are flying away with the title after taking their tally to 54 from 20 matches.
Pirates have a tricky away match against Chippa United on Wednesday March 5.
