Betway Premiership title chasers Orlando Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Polokwane City FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Captain on the day and Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi scored the only goal of the match in the 67th minute.
The visitors made three changes from the side that won 1-0 against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday. Deon Hotto, Kabelo Dlamini, and Thapelo Xoki were benched. Mohau Nkota, Paseka Mako, and Patrick Maswanganyi came on in place of the trio.
It was also Maswanganyi’s first match since he suffered an injury in the Nedbank Cup against SuperSport United in March.
Polokwane City were the first team to pose a serious threat in the third minute, but Sipho Chaine made a fantastic save after a quick counter. Eight minutes into the game, Relebohile Mofokeng beat two Polokwane City defenders before unleashing a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Brian Okosh was well-placed to make a save.
ORLANDO PIRATES BOOST TITLE CHANCES AFTER VITAL WIN AGAINST POLOKWANE CITY
A few moments later, Pirates keeper Chaine was forced to make a brilliant save once again after a long-range shot by Oswin Appollis after a counter-attack from the home side.
Pirates answered as Mofokeng had only the keeper to beat in the 21st minute after a pass from Nkota, but missed the target.
The Soweto giants started to take control of the game as Thalente Mbatha unleashed a powerful shot outside the 18-yard area but was well saved by Okosh. But Appollis, a threat throughout the match, nearly found the back of the net for the home side on the stroke of half time. But his shot was saved for a corner by Chaine.
THE BUCCANEERS SUBSTITUTE MAKE A HUGE IMPACT AFTER WINNING BETWAY PREMIERSHIP ENCOUNTER
Pirates made two changes coming into the second half. Evidence Makgopa made way for Tshegofatso Mabasa while Deon Hotto came in for Mbatha.
Their impact was felt immediately as the title chasers piled more pressure on the hosts. Pirates were finally rewarded in the 67th minute. Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi scored the opener despite what looked like an infringement with a Polokwane City player.
The win takes Pirates to 46 points, 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers have three matches in hand.
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