A brilliant brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa secured a 2-0 victory for Orlando Pirates over Cape Town City FC in a DStv Premiership encounter at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon.
Mabasa’s goals brought him level with Iqraam Rayners at the top of the goalscoring charts, with both players now on 13 goals.
Pirates’ win also reignites the race for the second-place finish in the league. Stellenbosch FC will need to defeat Golden Arrows to reclaim the number two spot this evening.
This was the fifth consecutive victory for the Soweto giants in all competitions.
The match began with a frenetic pace despite a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening minutes.
Orlando Pirates gradually seized control of possession, stringing together passes and probing Cape Town City’s defense. However, they struggled to break through City’s organized backline, only managing a few threatening forays into the penalty area.
Cape Town City, whenever they regained the ball, showed glimpses of attacking potential. However, their efforts lacked consistency, and they couldn’t sustain pressure for long stretches.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani were rotating the ball waiting for the openings to strike but Eric Tinkler’s men remained compact defensively, effectively stifling Pirates’ attacking opportunities.
CT CITY’S EARLY CHANGE DUE TO INJURY
A setback for City occurred in the 26th minute when Keanu Cupido was forced off with an injury after a collision with Miguel Timm. Despite attempting to continue, the versatile City player couldn’t ignore the pain and was replaced by Patrick Fisher.
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s scuffed shot from within the box was well-saved by Darren Keet.
Pirates shifted their attacking focus to the left flank, utilising the pace of Relebohile Mofokeng. However, Mofokeng, despite his persistence, was unable to unlock City’s defense.
The match reached the interval with a 0-0 scoreline on the board.
The home side emerged from the halftime break with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of an opener.
Their efforts nearly paid off in the 51st minute when they appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Deon Hotto’s elbow in the box, but the referee waved away their claims.
Moments later, Relebohile Mofokeng was sent through on goal by Lesedi Kapinga, but his effort was well-saved by Darren Keet.
SECOND HALF BRACE FROM TSHEGOFATSO MABASA
The deadlock was finally broken in Orlando Pirates’ favour when Tshegofatso Mabasa slotted the ball past Keet after a neat setup from Mofokeng.
City responded by putting the Pirates under pressure in their own half, desperately searching for an equaliser. They peppered the Pirates’ area with attacks but were unable to find a breakthrough. A well-directed header by Mayo from a long throw-in by Fisher was met by a fantastic save from Sipho Chaine.
The Citizens’ woes deepened in the 73rd minute when Mabasa grabbed his second goal of the match, doubling the Pirates’ lead. Mofokeng once again provided the assist with a wonderful service.
The hosts tried to come back, the Buccaneers remained solid and eventually grabbed maximum points away from home.
RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates eye squad revamp for 2024/25 season
