TS Galaxy dented Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League ambitions after beating them 1-0 in a DStv Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon.
Sphiwe Mahlangu netted the only goal of the match as Galaxy caused a big upset against Pirates, who have now lost two games in a row.
The Buccaneers travelled to Mbombela Stadium looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat against Richards Bay FC last Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates are in a race with Stellenbosch FC to finish as runners-up in the league to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season.
The Soweto giants came into the penultimate round sitting third on the log standings with 49 points, one point away from second-placed Stellies, who are on 50 points.
TAPELO XOKI SET TO MISS THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON
Meanwhile, Pirates announced before kick-off that defender Tapelo Xoki suffered an injury at training, which will keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Xoki has been key for Pirates in the heart of defence, making 36 appearances across all competitions while scoring six goals.
In the opening minutes of the match, TS Galaxy came close to breaking the deadlock with a counter-attack from Puso Dithejane, but his shot was kept out by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Although Pirates were desperate for a win, the Rockets created more goal-scoring chances in the first 30 minutes of the match. However, they were let down by missed chances in the final third. The referee blew the half-time whistle with the two sides deadlocked at 0-0.
In the second half, the Jose Riveiro-coached team continued to struggle to establish itself in the short passing game.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, the league’s top goal scorer with 15 goals, came close to giving Pirates a lead, but his shot was kept out by the Galaxy goalie.
The Mpumalanga-based side found the back of the net in the 69th minute through Sphiwe Mahlangu to give his side a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates.
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