Pirates move three points clear of Sundowns

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 10, 2019. 21:49

Orlando Pirates move clear at the summit of the Absa Premiership standings following a 2-0 win over Black Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Luvuyo Memela and Thembinkosi Lorch found the back of the net for the hosts, who open a three-point gap between themselves and second placed Mamelodi Sundowns, albeit for the fact that the defending champions have played two games less than Pirates.

Pirates dominated the early exchanges and deservedly opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Memela. The attacker firing a crisp left-footed free-kick past Rotshidzwa Muleka and into the back of the net.

The Buccaneers created further chances through Musa Nyatama and notable Justin Shonga before the break, but neither could convert with the goal at their mercy.

Shonga squandered a further gilt-edged chance after the interval before golden boot leader Mwape Musonda rattled the woodwork for Lidoda Duvha in the 75th minute.

Pirates finally put the game to bed five minutes later as Lorch latched onto a cross into the area, nodding home from close range to seal all three points for the hosts.

Orlando Pirates (1) 2 (Memela 23' Lorch 80')

Black Leopards (0) 0

Orlando Pirates: Sandilands; Jele, Munetsi, Maela, Dube, Motshwari, Nyatama (Gabuza 82'), Memela (Makola 71'), Qalinge (Pule 61'), Shonga, Lorch.

Black Leopards: Muleka; Munyai, Katjiukua, Munganga, Zulu, Mudau (Mhlongo 83'), Masalesa, Bereng, Sekotlong (Hlongwane 66'), Tshepe (Kapinga 78'), Musonda.