Orlando Pirates continued their winning streak in the Betway Premiership, defeating SuperSport United 2-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Evidence Makgopa and Deon Hotto scored for the home side, securing their fourth win of the season.
In a match where both teams sought redemption after early Carling Knockout Cup exits, Pirates struck first in the second minute. Thabiso Sesane set up Evidence Makgopa, who scored the opening goal.
Pirates kept on coming back time and time again, as they looked to double their lead. Unlike in their previous match against Magesi FC, Jose Riveiro’s troops showed a sense of urgency offensively in the early stages of the match.
They were moving the ball quicker, exerting pressure on Matsatsantsa utilising the pace of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.
The Swanky Boys were struggling to maintain possession and find their footing in the match with the Soweto giants not allowing them space to play.
In the 25th minute, SuperSport thought they had found the equaliser when their new man Tashreeq Morris scored after picking up pieces from Sipho Chaine’s save. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
PIRATES LED 1-0 AT HALFTIME
SuperSport began to make more attacking movements but were struggling to break down the hosts’ solid defense. Pirates led 1-0 at halftime.
Pirates were even more threatening in the first ten minutes of the second half, upping their momentum and looking to extend their lead.
They made more penetrating runs into the box, with Maswanganyi coming down the center and inserting the balls into the pockets. After the hour mark, their intensity decreased slightly.
In the 67th minute, Jose Riveiro made a double substitution, bringing on captain Innocent Maela and Kabelo Dlamini and taking off Mohau Nkota and Thalente Mbatha.
The visitors, on the other hand, showed no signs of possibly getting the leveller as the match approached the end.
In the 85th minute, Mofokeng had a chance to score a second goal for his team, dribbling past United’s defenders and the goalkeeper. However, United’s defense recovered and blocked his shot.
Deon Hotto rattled the back of the net in the 92nd minute to wrap up the match against Gavin Hunt’s side.
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