Betway Premiership title chasers Orlando Pirates missed out on an opportunity to go top of the log after a 1-0 defeat against Cape Town City FC on Wednesday evening.
The Buccaneers now trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by three points having played the same number of matches.
It’s also two out of two for interim coach Muhsin Ertugral, who also beat his former side, Kaizer Chiefs, by the same score over the weekend.
Pirates were without their midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula who is serving a suspension. CT City, on the other hand, made three changes coming into the match.
Jody Ah Shene was trusted with leading the line upfront. Kamohelo Mokotjo and Haashim Domingo returned to the midfield.
ORLANDO PIRATES SUFFER DEFEAT AT THE HANDS OF CAPE TOWN CITY
Pirates dominated the first half with a few goal-scoring chances but failed to capitalise. Relebohile Mofokeng was the first to come close when he tried his luck from a right angle as early as the 8th minute, but his shot hit the side net. Kabelo Dlamini hit the woodwork five minutes later following his outstanding shot outside the 18-area box.
CT City also had some moments to open the scoring, but nothing came out of it. The two sides went into the halftime break at 0-0.
Kabelo Dlamini missed an opportunity early in the second half when his shot from outside the box missed the target.
PATRICK MASWANGANYI MISS A BIG OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THE BUCCANEERS A LEAD
There was a controversial moment in the 68th minute when the visitors were awarded what looked like a soft penalty. Midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi went on a challenge with a CT City defender who overpowered him, but referee Skhumbuzo Gaza pointed at the spot. Maswanganyi stood to take the kick but hit the post.
A few minutes later, Darwin González opened the scoring with a clinical strike from the edge of the box after a brilliant link-up play down the right. Prins Tjiueza could have easily killed off the match with a second goal after a counter-attack. But his effort was easily dealt with by the Pirates’ defence.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United snatched an all-important 2-0 win against AmaZulu FC at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium. Andy Boyeli and Linda Mntambo scored in each half. Despite the win, Sekhukhune remain fourth on the Betway Premiership log standings.
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