Orlando Pirates claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi missing the match.
The Sea Robbers collected maximum points and moved level with Mamelodi Sundowns on 25 points; however, the Tshwane giants remained at the summit of the league table via their superior goal difference.
Pirates returned to action after the conclusion of the FIFA international break, hosting the Chilli Boys at home in the only match on Tuesday. The Soweto giants came into the encounter against Chippa aiming to close the gap on log leaders Sundowns to keep their title chase alive.
Meanwhile, the biggest talking point in a match against Chippa was Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s absence from the matchday squad. The Bafana Bafana international is reportedly on his way out of Pirates after agreeing to a transfer move to Chicago Fire in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on a deal worth over R50 million.
In his absence at the heart of defence, Pirates used captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema as the centre-back pairing. The highly-rated defender has been a key figure in the Pirates team under Abdeslam Ouaddou, featuring in 18 matches across all competitions with one goal and one assist to his name.
Despite missing an important member of the squad, Pirates had an impressive start after creating most of the scoring chances.
PIRATES MISSED GOLDEN CHANCES IN THE FIRST-HALF
Yanela Mbuthuma had a golden opportunity to give the Sea Robbers a lead in the 10th minute, but he fired his close-range shot off target. A few minutes later, Sipho Mbule also had a powerful shot at goal; however, it was saved by Chippa goalkeeper Dumsani Msibi.
After the match went into half-time level at 0-0, the tempo of the game dropped drastically, limiting chances of finding the back of the net. Pirates made three changes after the 60th minute, bringing on Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis, and Makhehlene Makhaula in place of Mbule, Mbuthuma, and Thalente Mbatha.
The Houghton-based side struggled to break down Chippa United, who deployed a reinforced defence and looked to catch the home side on the counter-attack.
Pirates eventually broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a goal from Makgopa after receiving a perfect pass from Deon Hotto to take a 1-0 lead. Appollis added to the scoreline, making it 2-0 in the dying minutes. The MTN8 defending champions held on to their lead to secure an important victory.
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