A stunning Relebohile Mofokeng goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win for Orlando Pirates in a Betway Premiership tie against Magesi FC at a packed Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.
The Buccaneers welcomed striker Evidence Makgopa back to the match-day squad after missing out on the match against Marumo Gallants. He came in place of Tshegofatso Mabasa, who missed out due to suspension.
Papi Zothwane also sat on the bench for the home side following the departure of Clinton Larsen last week. Incoming coach Owen Da Gama was watching from the stands as he officially starts work on Monday.
ORLANDO PIRATES DOMINATED PROCEEDINGS IN THE FIRST HALF TO TAKE A 1-0 LEAD
Makhahleni Makhaula was the first to create a chance for the visitors as early as the fourth minute. But his curling shot was saved by Elvis Chipezeze. Magesi also had their chance soon after following a telling cross from John Mokone, but Bafedile Baloyi failed to convert.
Pirates kept their dominance despite not being able to create clear-cut scoring chances. Mofokeng came close in the 23rd minute after a through pass from Makhaula but was unable to take a shot as Magesi dealt with the danger.
There was drama in the 39th minute as Magesi defender Lehlogonolo Mokone was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mohau Nkota. The home side felt the pressure from the resulting red card as the visitors posed a threat immediately. Both Evidence Makgopa and Thalenthe Mbatha could have capitalised on a double chance from close range, but the Magesi defence remained stubborn.
Magesi striker Wonderboy Makhubu could have easily given the home side the lead but his header from a corner was saved by Sipho Chaine.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG SCORES A SCORCHER OF A GOAL TO GIVE BUCCANEERS IMPORTANT WIN AGAINST MAGESI
It took a moment of magic from Relebohile Mofokeng to give Pirates the lead. The 20-year-old’s curling shot from outside the 18-area box was too much to deal with for keeper Chipezeze. Just when the match was going to half-time at 1-0, the home side were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute.
This is after Makhaula handled the ball inside the 18-area box. But Makhubu failed to convert, taking the match to 1-0 at the break. Both Magesi and Pirates showed determination for a goal in the second half. Tholang Masegela produced a stunning long-range shot, but Chaine was well-positioned to produce a world-class save.
Despite an entertaining second half, both teams failed to score, with Pirates walking away with an important victory. The Buccaneers remain second on the log with 27 points, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
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