Super-sub Appollis lifts Pirates past stubborn Siwelele as Bucs close in on Chiefs

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Super-sub Appollis lifts Pirates past stubborn Siwelele as Bucs close in on Chiefs
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Oswin Apppollis came off the bench to lift Orlando Pirates to a 1-0 victory against Siwelele FC at the Fee State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

In a game that looked headed for a goalless draw, it was one of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s second half substitutes that made all the difference as Appollis netted the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time having come on just after the break.

Both teams played out a goalless first half with Relebohile Mofokeng getting the best chance for Pirates after seven minutes when he met a good ball floated in by Deon Hotto but fired just wide on the volley.

Pirates broke Siwelele’s resistance

Siwelele also had their chance eight minutes later when Chibuike Ohizu got a header from close range but failed to get it on target.

In the second half, Mofokeng had another glorious opportunity in the 54th minute with a well taken shot on the edge of the box but saw his effort sail inches wide.

Pirates kept probing with Siwelele proving difficult to break down but their quality would tell in the end. With Siwelele tiring and dropping deeper into their half, Mofokeng brought in a defence-splitting pass, which Evidence Makgopa flicked over for the onrushing Appollis, who got in behind the defence.

Where does victory leave the Buccaneers?

Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele FC.

The former Polokwane City man found the bottom right corner and beyond Siwelele goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.

However, Pirates nearly conceded an equaliser three minutes later as ex-Kaizer Chiefs forward Christian Saile headed from close range but Sipho Chaine was just there in time to save his effort.

Pirates would hold on to see off the game for their fifth straight win in all competitions, without conceding, which takes them to fourth place on the table with 12 points from six matches, one behind Chiefs, and seven adrift of leaders Sekhukhune United, who have played a game more.  

<!-- 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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