Orlando Pirates suffered their first league defeat of the season following a 1-0 loss at home to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday.
Devin Titus’ 33rd minute goal was enough to condemn Jose Riveiro’s team to a loss as Steve Barker’s men held firm to claim all three points and hand their hosts their maiden loss of the campaign.
Pirates had won a club record seven straight league games to move to the top of the PSL table on 21 points and were looking to extend their winning run on matchday eight as they hosted Stellenbosch at the Orlando Stadium.
However, they ended the week in second place instead, being dislodged from top spot by Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference, following Titus’ goal.
How did Stellies stun Pirates?
Stellenbosch got their goal on the run of play when Ashley Cupido found Titus to score past Sipho Chaine in the Pirates goal.
Like Pirates, Stellenbosch had also been involved in continental matches in midweek following their 2-0 loss to Stade Malien in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and despite returning home late, they still managed to stun their hosts.
Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa wasted Pirates’ best chances, the former sending his shot just over the bar, while the latter fired directly at Sage Stephens in the Stellenbosch goal, in the dying minutes of the contest.
Defeat is a reality check for Pirates whose title credentials will now be put to test while Stellenbosch moved up to third place on the table, six points behind the leading duo after the victory.
