Orlando Pirates have reduced the points gap between them and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to two, following a 2-0 win against Stellenbosch at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Buccaneers came into the match trailing by five points after Sundowns’ 3-0 win against Polokwane City FC over the weekend.
Both Pirates and Sundowns are now left with three Betway Premiership matches in what will be one of the best championship battles of recent years.
The visitors, fresh from a Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs, entered the Stellenbosch clash with one of their stars having recently bagged two PSL monthly accolades. Oswin Appollis was voted Player of the Month for April, while his strike against AmaZulu FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on April 18 was named Goal of the Month.
ORLANDO PIRATES BEAT STELLENBOSCH FC TO SET UP EPIC END OF THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP SEASON
The match was entertaining from the beginning, with both teams taking the game to each other. However, the visitors showed more aggression. Appollis got a glorious opportunity in the 10th minute after a cross from Relebohile Mofokeng, but missed the target.
Patrick Maswanganyi could have done better two minutes later when he got a chance inside the box, but miscued his shot.
The home side was dealt a huge blow 30 minutes into the match with a forced injury. Thapelo Mokobodi was replaced by Wonderboy Makhubu after suffering a knock.
Following a few attempts to find the opening goal, Pirates were eventually rewarded in the 42nd minute. Striker Evidence Makgopa slotted him from a free kick via a header from a Patrick Maswanganyi delivery. The Buccaneers netted a second goal during the referees’ optional time, with Maswanganyi scoring to ensure the Soweto giants take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Both clubs had a few chances in the second half but failed to capitalise, with the match ending 2-0 in favour of the Buccaneers.
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