Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the table after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Richards Bay FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday night.
The league chasing host welcomed back Sebelebele, Maswanganyi and Mbuthuma after the previous win over Polokwane City, with Lwandile Mabuya coming in as the sole change for the Natal Rich Boys.
The Buccaneers started the match with intent, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. Their pressure paid off in the 26th minute when Oswin Appollis found the back of the net to give Pirates the lead. The winger calmly slotted the ball home, sending the home supporters into celebration and putting the hosts firmly in control of the encounter.
Richards Bay tried to respond after conceding, but Pirates remained organised at the back and disciplined in midfield, limiting the visitors’ attacking opportunities.As the match approached its conclusion, Pirates were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time.
It remained a clash of few margins as the Natal Rich Boys fancied a chance minutes apart with an effort off the head by Thulani Gumede in the area, but he went over the top.Substitutions from the Buccaneers after 60 minutes played saw Maswanganyi make way for Tshepang Moremi before Evidence Makgopa came on for Mbuthuma.
Evidence Makgopa stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick after 90 minutes, sealing the victory for the Soweto giants.At the other end, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine once again produced a solid performance, recording his 14th clean sheet of the season as Pirates kept Richards Bay from finding the net.
The victory sees Orlando Pirates move to the top of the league standings, edging into first place on goal difference by just one goal, adding more excitement to the title race as the season progresses.