Orlando Pirates collected maximum points after defeating TS Galaxy 2-0 in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night and climbed to third position on the table.
The Ghosts found the back of the net in the first half, courtesy of goals from Evidence Makgopa, who netted from a penalty spot, and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Fresh off a dominant 4-0 CAF Champions League victory against Lioli FC [securing a 7-0 aggregate win over the Lesotho side], Pirates welcomed Galaxy home with impressive momentum. The Buccaneers entered the match against the Rockets on a superb run, having gone nine matches unbeaten across all competitions.
In the league, Pirates had already registered four wins and two losses. Eager to continue their rich vein of form, the Sea Robbers had a flying start, immediately piling pressure on the Galaxy defence. This relentless early attack soon paid off when Mlungisi Mbunjana fouled Masindi Nemtajela inside the box, resulting in a penalty for the home side.
Evidence Makgopa stepped up to take the spot kick and scored to give Pirates the lead in the 20th minute. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges went into the half-time break with a one-goal advantage.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES WITH GALAXY WIN
Galaxy responded to being a goal down by seeking to strengthen their attack, bringing on Junior Zindoga early in the second half in search of an equaliser.
Pirates answered with a double substitution of their own, introducing Oswin Appollis and Tshegofatso Mabasa for Evidence Makgopa and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Despite a noticeable drop in tempo in the second half, the game’s decisive moment arrived when substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa scored Pirates’ third goal. This final strike ensured the Buccaneers defeated Galaxy 3-0, allowing them to climb into the top three spots on the league table.
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