Yanela Mbuthuma delivered a match-winning performance for Orlando Pirates, netting a crucial brace to secure a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows in their Betway Premiership encounter at King Zwelithini Stadium in KZN.
The Soweto giants started the game on a high note, with Thabiso Lebitso unleashing a cross into the box, where Xolani Ngcobo collected it with Oswin Appollis lurking in the 9th minute.
The Sea Robbers continued probing, taking control of the showdown. Evidence Makgopa leaped high to head at goal but placed his effort off target.
As the first half progressed, more shots flew in from the visitors, with Sipho Mbule going narrowly wide with an attempt from distance.
In the 23rd minute, Nkosikhona Ndaba’s cross forced Sbonelo Cele to score an own goal, which put the Sea Robbers ahead.
The home side tried to come back into the game, attempting to force Pirates’ back four to commit errors, but it was never meant to be.
ORLANDO PIRATES LEADING GOLDEN ARROWS AT HALF-TIME
The first half’s final whistle blew with the Buccaneers enjoying a 1-0 lead against the Manqoba Mngqithi-coached side.
In the second stanza, Pirates continued to give the KZN side problems. Appollis played one across to Makgopa, whose shot at goal was blocked in the 54th minute of the match.
However, the hosts showed signs of redeeming themselves as the second half wore on, but luck was not on their side.
Arrows kept pushing for an equaliser; sadly, they couldn’t bounce back in the showpiece, with Pirates ensuring that they remained disciplined at the back.
However, Thokozani Khumalo levelled matters in the 73rd minute of the showpiece.
But just a minute after the restart, Yanela Mbuthuma found the back of the net to put Pirates in front again. In the 87th minute, Mbuthuma completed his brace.
As a result, the Soweto giants walked away victorious, claiming the valuable maximum points away from home.
RELATED STORY: Former Orlando Pirates winger finds new home