Orlando Pirates stumbled again as they suffered their second consecutive defeat in the DStv Premiership after losing 3-2 against Stellenbosch FC on Friday night.
Pirates welcomed Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-1 loss against SuperSport United last weekend.
Before losing against SuperSport, the Buccaneers won three successive league games against Moroka Swallows, TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows.
The Buccaneers have had an inconsistent start to the 2023/24 campaign after winning seven league games, drawing five while losing four times.
Interestingly, Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last six matches in league, with their last defeat dating back to 27 September, 2023 against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Stellies were high on confidence after beating TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup final 5-4 on penalties at Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 16th of December.
Pirates dominated the opening 15 minutes of the match as most of the ball possession went in their favour. The Soweto giants came close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute through Deon Hotto but his low shot in the box went inches off-target.
In the 32nd minute, Pirates eventually opened the scoring through Tapelo Xoki who converted from the penalty spot.
The referee Abongile Tom blew the half-time whistle with Pirates holding a 1-0 advantage.
The second-half began on a low tempo with both sides struggling to create real goal-scoring opportunities.
PIRATES STUMBLE AGAIN AS STELLIES MAKE COMEBACK
Despite the pace of the match dropping, Pirates found their second goal of the match through Evidence Makgopa in the 59th minute.
The Steve-Barker coached team found their first goal of the match in the 68th minute through Iqraam Rayners.
Stellenbosch quickly scored their second goal through Devin Titus in the 70th minute to bring the scoreline back to 2-2.
The Western Cape-based side found their winning goal in the 77th minute through Andre De Jong to beat Pirates 3-2.
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