Saleng scores last-gasp winner as Pirates secure victory over Chippa
Monnapule Saleng scored a late winning goal to propel Orlando Pirates to a 2-1 victory over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.
Andile Jali had opened the scoring with a cracker, while Tshegofatso Mabasa levelled the scoreline before the break with a penalty kick.
The Chilli Boys were without their new signing Siphelo Baloni, due to a contractual stipulation preventing him from playing against his parent club, Pirates.
On the other side, Deano Van Rooyen played his first Betway Premiership match in the shirt of Ezimnyama Ngenkani.
The match began at a leisurely pace as both teams sought to establish their rhythm. The Buccaneers could rotate the ball but lacked a bit of spark when entering Chippa’s half.
ANDILE JALI’S DEBUT SCREAMER AGAINST HIS FORMER SIDE
In the 22nd minute, Jali, playing against his former club, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that left Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine helpless. The home side responded with increased urgency, but Kwanele Kopo’s men remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Pirates gradually gained momentum and focused on exploiting the flanks to breach Chippa’s defence. A dangerous opportunity arose when Saleng managed to slip past Chippa’s central defenders, but his shot was blocked by Stanley Nwabali from close range.
In the waning moments of the first half, Pirates earned a penalty-kick after Saleng appeared to be fouled by Malebogo Modise inside the penalty area. Mabasa stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, levelling the score at 1-1 just before the break.
In the second-half, Chippa’s goal-scorer Jali was taken off, with the new signing Xolani Sithole taking his place.
As Jose Riveiro’s troops continued to press for another goal, Mofokeng managed to burst into the box. His shot was expertly saved by the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Nwabali.
The hosts kept on pumping more dangerous balls into the box, looking for a tap-in from the likes of Mabasa, who usually waits for balls upfront.
The Spanish coach introduced Kabelo Dlamini for Makhehlene Makhaula as he looked to add more spark to their offensive game.
DEBUT FOR YOUNGSTER THUSO MOLELEKI
He later handed a debut to the club’s youngster Thuso Moleleki, who signed this transfer window from the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College.
In the latter stages of the match, the hosts kept the visitors busy at the back, looking for a later winner. In the 77th minute, Saleng hit the post when he picked up the pieces following a poor clearance from Chippa.
Monnapule Saleng, who was a standout performer throughout the match, scored the winning goal late in the game to secure three points for Pirates. He headed in a cross from Deon Hotto.
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