Pirates cut Sundowns' lead with Gallants scalp
by Kickoff writer · KickOffOrlando Pirates moved within a point of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns following a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Teams: Marumo Gallants v Orlando Pirates
Result: 0-2
Scorers: Kgositsile (32'), Sibisi (74')
Pirates’ winning run of form was put to the test, as they looked to go within a point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, whilst Gallants came with the new coach bounce and still out looking for their first win of the campaign.
After netting against Durban City, hard-tackling defender Lebone Seema came close to make the breakthrough with a looping header early on from a corner-kick by Thapelo Mokobodi but he went over.
LIVE | Gallants v Pirates
Gallants made a substitution in the midway spell of the first half despite a decent start to the match and removed Katlego Otladisa to bring on Onke Moletshe.
The Buccaneers still enjoyed the better of the chances on the half-hour mark and grabbed the lead when Kabelo Kgositsile made a run in-behind and volleyed in the near corner of the net.
Bahlabane Ba Ntwa should’ve levelled immediately as Mxolisi Kunene burst through on goal right down the middle after the visitors conceded possession and went one-on-one with Sipho Chaine, but the player went wide and failed to punish the Buccaneers.
Second Half:
Pirates almost extended their advantage five minutes in the second half with a clever attempt in the box by Mokobodi following a ball over the top by Simphiwe Masilela, but the move failed to hit target.
The home team began to pile the pressure, but the Buccaneers still had the lion share of control and squandered a big chance when Masilela came short to the area to get onto a cutback from Yanela Mbuthuma and blazed over.
Pirates regained complete momentum within the final 15 minutes and doubled the lead in the after a telling delivery from a corner by Mokobodi found captain Nkosinathi Sibisi who headed in the far post.
The Buccaneers were under no pressure in the closing stages to fulltime and walked away comprehensive victors to go within a point of the leaders Mamelodi Sundowns as Gallants remain winless after six matches played.