Orlando Pirates edge out Polokwane City

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Nov 06, 2018. 21:27

Orlando Pirates beat Polokwane City 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday night.

As a result, the Buccaneers moved to the top of the league log, while Rise and Shine remained fourth on the standings.

Rise and Shine pressed the Buccaneers in the opening stages of the game as they looked to grab snatch an early goal.

Rodney Ramagalela unleashed the first shot on goal from 20-yards out as he looked to beat Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane from range.

However, the former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper pulled off a decent save to deny the Polokwane marksman two minutes into the game.

The hosts were then awarded a free-kick which was played into the Pirates box and there was a goalmouth scramble.

Vusimuzi Mngomezulu then poked the ball straight at Mabokgwane from close range and the keeper made a comfortable save.

Pirates grew in confidence as the match progressed with Justin Shonga making good runs inside the Polokwane box.

The Zambian striker connected with Asavela Mbekile's cross in the 35th minute, but he placed the ball narrowly wide of the target.

The Polokwane defence which was led by Sibusiso Mbonani then stood firm until the match referee blew the half-time whistle.

The two teams were locked at 0-0 at the interval.

The Buccaneers pushed for the opening goal after the restart and they managed to break the deadlock 14 minutes into the second half.

Marshall Munetsi's effort was parried to Marcelo Da Silva by Polokwane keeper George Chigova and the defender fired home to make it 1-0 Pirates.

Rise and Shine tried to push forward in search of the equalizing goal, but they were exposed at the back.

The visitors were awarded a free-kick in the hosts' half in the 66th minute and Shonga fired it home to make it 2-0 to Pirates.

The hosts attacked in numbers as they looked to score late goals with Puleng Tlolane having joined Ramagalela upfront.

Ayanda Nkili managed to score with a header in the 90th minute to make it 2-1 for Polokwane.

Polokwane (0) 1 (Nkili 90')
Pirates (0) 2 (Da Silva 59', Shonga 66')

Polokwane: Chigova, Manaka, Mbonani, Hlongwane (Musona 71'), Nkili, Mngomezulu, Maluleke, Seabi, Phiri (Tlolane 78'), Booi (Wagaba 84'), Ramagalela.

Pirates: Mabokgwane, Jele, Munetsi, Mbekile (Kutumela 58'), Da Silva, Mntambo, Makola, Lorch (Mabaso 70'), Qalinge, Mako, Shonga (Mahachi 83').