Pirates edge past Chilli Boys in chilly PE

by Bertin Basson

Wednesday Aug 08, 2018. 21:57

Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday evening.

An own goal from Gerald Modisane secured all three points for the Buccaneers, who had Mthokozisi Dube sent off (the first red card of the season) in the second-half following a second bookable offence.

Pirates opened the scoring after 16 minutes. Justin Shonga's thunderous free-kick cannoned off the woodwork and seemingly out of danger only for Modisane to prod the ball into the back of his own net.

Chippa struggled to create anything of real substance going forward as Pirates squandered chances to double their lead through Paseka Mako and Shonga following the break.

Dube's dismissal, though, breathed life into the Chilli Boys who went close through Daine Klate in the 81st minute. The winger unlucky to see his volley attempt fly inches wide.

When Chippa did hit the target, Siyabonga Mpontshane - drafted into the starting 11 following Wayne Sandilands costly error over the past weekend - was on hand to keep Pirates in front.

The goalkeeper with two good saves to deny Frédéric Nsabiyumva and Ruzaigh Gamildien in the closing stages as Pirates secured all three points.

Chippa United 0

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (OG Modisane 16')

Chippa United: Akpeyi; Makobela, Nsabiyumva, Modisane, Tlolane (Mbenyane 83'), Rakhale, Komane (Gamildien 69'), Mahola (Sangweni 52'), Klate, Lentjies, Kgamanyane.

Orlando Pirates: Mpontshane; Jele, Shitolo, Maela, Dube, Mlambo, Nyatama, Makola (Mobara 86'), Mako, Pule (Mahachi 65'), Shonga (Thopola 76').