Orlando Pirates stormed to the summit of the Betway Premiership table after a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers collected three points against the Durban outfit courtesy of a solitary goal from Relebohile Mofokeng and an own goal from Usuthu’s goalkeeper Darren Johnson.
Pirates visited AmaZulu in Durban searching for nothing less than maximum points to gain a three-point advantage over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sea Robbers came into the match against AmaZulu level with Sundowns, sitting second on the league table with 32 points.
Meanwhile, Pirates faced the KZN-based side with their tails high after claiming an impressive 2-0 victory over Magesi FC in the Premiership at Orlando Amstel Arena this past weekend.
The Soweto giants secured three points in front of their home supporters courtesy of first-half goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and the highly-rated winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates began the clash against AmaZulu on the front foot, dominating the ball possession in the early exchanges while their opponents deployed a reinforced defence.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG NETS A RARE GOAL WITH THE HEAD
In the 16th minute, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges opened the scoring after Mofokeng netted a header to take a 1-0 lead. The Sea Robbers continued to dominate the match, piling on the pressure on Usuthu; however, the first half ended with Pirates leading by a single goal.
Pirates maintained their dominance over AmaZulu in the second stanza, as the home side struggled to impose themselves or trouble the Ghosts in defence.
Looking to double their lead and put the game to bed, Pirates made tactical changes in the final 30 minutes, bringing on Kamogelo Sebelebele and Masindi Nemtajela in place of Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha. AmaZulu had chances of their own and nearly scored, but Sipho Chaine pulled off a great save late in the match.
Pirates secured a second goal late in the game via an own goal from Darren Johnson to beat AmaZulu 2-0. The result moves them to 35 points, leapfrogging Sundowns, who previously occupied the top spot with 32 points.
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