Marumo Gallants delivered a stunning upset on Tuesday night, defeating Orlando Pirates 2-1 in a thrilling Betway Premiership match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Buccaneers started the game on a high note, immediately putting pressure on the Gallants defence and forcing them into errors.
After a fast-paced start, the game settled down. Gallants, primarily focused on defending, made it difficult for Pirates to create opportunities. However, the relentless pressure from Pirates paid off in the 16th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi broke the deadlock, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
After the goal, Pirates’ defence held firm as Gallants tried to find an equaliser. The Bloemfontein-based side remained persistent, testing goalkeeper Sipho Chaine with several long-range shots, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Just before halftime, Daniel Msendami scored for Gallants in the 45th minute, ensuring Pirates’ lead was short-lived as the two teams went into the break tied at 1-1.
MARUMO GALLANTS AND ORLANDO PIRATES LEVEL AT HALF-TIME
The Sea Robbers controlled the first half, dominating possession and dictating the tempo. They started the second half with the same intensity, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t find a way to score.
As the second half wore on, the home side, Marumo Gallants, started to regain their momentum. However, they couldn’t breach Pirates’ solid defence.
Pirates showed strong determination to secure an away victory, but it wasn’t meant to be. In a repeat of the first half, Gallants scored in stoppage time. Jaisen Clifford found the back of the net, breaking the hearts of Pirates’ fans and securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for the home side.
The win gives Gallants all three valuable points and marks their second consecutive victory, following their win against Richards Bay. Meanwhile, Pirates have now lost their first two league games, having also suffered defeat against Sekhukhune United.
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