Pirates move to 47 points, lead Sundowns on goal difference

Orlando Pirates’ win over Richards Bay at the Orlando Amstel Arena saw the Buccaneers go equal on 47 points with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Soweto giants have grabbed first place on goal difference: Pirates with 25 goals and Sundowns with 24.

ORLANDO PIRATES PRESSURE PAYS OFF

The Buccaneers came out flying from the first whistle, immediately pinning the Natal Rich Boyz inside their own half with wave after wave of attacks.

Thalente Mbatha nearly opened the scoring early when he unleashed a powerful effort from distance, but Richards Bay goalkeeper Ian Otieno reacted quickly to keep it out. Minutes later, Deon Hotto stepped up with a dangerous free kick, forcing Otieno into another sharp save as Pirates kept knocking on the door.

Richards Bay briefly reminded Orlando Pirates that they were still in the contest in the 11th minute. Moses Mthembu struck a well-taken free kick that had the home fans holding their breath, but Sipho Chaine was equal to it, diving low to make the save.

The Sea Robbers’ dominance finally brought the breakthrough in the 26th minute.

Kamogelo Sebelebele did the hard work down the right flank, driving forward before cutting the ball back perfectly into the box. Oswin Appollis arrived at the right time and calmly slotted home for his fourth goal of the season to give Orlando Pirates the lead.

From there the Buccaneers continued to control proceedings. However, Richards Bay’s defence, along with a determined Otieno, kept the scoreline respectable while Pirates were guilty of a few rushed final passes and shots that drifted off target.

Richards Bay nearly punished that wastefulness when two quick chances fell inside the Pirates box, sending a brief scare through the Buccaneers defence. But the hosts recovered well to clear the danger.

Relebohile Mofokeng then came agonisingly close to doubling the lead when his powerful strike from outside the box rattled the crossbar with Otieno completely beaten.

BUCCANEERS SEAL IT LATE

Just when it seemed the match would end with a narrow 1–0 scoreline, Orlando Pirates struck again deep into stoppage time.

A foul inside the box in the 92nd minute handed the Buccaneers a penalty, and Evidence Makgopa stepped up with calm authority to convert the spot kick for his fifth goal of the season.

The result lifts Orlando Pirates to the top of the Betway Premiership table, level on 47 points with Mamelodi Sundowns but ahead on goal difference by a single goal.

Next up for the Buccaneers is another home test when they host Siwelele FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 14 March at 15:30.

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