Orlando Pirates suffered a major setback in their PSL title push following a 1-0 defeat at home to Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.
Pirates were seeking to bounce back from last Friday’s CAF Champions League semi-final elimination by Egyptian side Pyramids but did nothing to show their hunger and were punished by yet another set piece when Keletso Makgalwa’s corner was headed in by Tresor Yamba Yamba in the 58th minute.
Pirates rarely threatened the Sekhukhune goal in the first half with Thalente Mbatha coming close after driving forward before shooting just wide from outside the box while Kabelo Dlamini drew a good save from Renaldo Paul Leaner through a well-taken freekick.
Big chances missed for the Buccaneers
After the break, Pirates had two great chances in quick succession when Mbekelezi Mbokazi missed a glorious opportunity from close range in the 50th minute before Evidence Makgopa also failed to convert at the backpost.
They would pay for that a few minutes later when Sekhukhune went on the counterattack with Ngoanamello Rammala failing to score but from the resultant corner, they broke the deadlock.
Makgalwa brought in a good ball with Yamba Yamba jumping highest to head past Sipho Chaine and they retreated in their box to protect their lead.
Where does the result leave Pirates?
Pirates finished the match with 10 men when Nkosinathi Sibisi was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 85th minute which now rules him out of the Soweto Derby on Saturday as well as the Nebank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs.
Defeat makes Pirates’ job in the title more difficult as they find themselves 12 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Richards Bay 3-0 also on Wednesday, even though they have two games in hand.
Sekhukhune, meanwhile, tightened their grip on third place as they have moved to 44 points, just two behind Pirates, although they have played four matches more than Jose Riveiro’s team.
Pirates now head into the Soweto Derby under pressure following back-to-back defeats.
