Orlando Pirates claimed maximum points with a 3-0 victory over Chippa United in their Betway Premiership clash at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Sunday afternoon.
Prior to the match, the Buccaneers confirmed that Sihle Nduli would be out sidelined for four months after suffering a Grade 3 ligament tear in his ankle against AmaZulu while Tshepang Oremi and Andre De Jong also missed the clash.
Ghampani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami scored for Ezimnyama Ngenkani to help the side get back to winning ways after dropping points in a draw against AmaZulu in the midweek.
The match showed from the outset that both teams were intent on playing with high intensity, quickly surging forward whenever they won possession. The Buccaneers had an early opportunity to take the lead, but Yanela Mbuthuma fired wide from inside the box.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between in the following minutes, with the two sides trading blows in midfield. In the 17th minute, Stanley Nwabali was called into action, producing a fine save to deny Oswin Appollis’ thunderous long-range effort and keep the scores level.
Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, meanwhile, had little to do as Chippa United struggled to make regular inroads into the final third. Justice Figareido was their main threat on the left flank, frequently cutting inside whenever he received the ball.
Nwabali was tested again in the 33rd minute, making another crucial save to keep out Deon Hotto’s curling free-kick, which he brilliantly tipped over the crossbar. Chippa United remained solid at the back as Pirates continued to knock repeatedly in search of an opener. The score was goalless at halftime.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s troops returned with renewed intent in the second half, threatening Nwabali’s posts a couple of times. Patrick Maswanganyi came close to rattling the back of the net when he got past Chippa’s defence, but his attempt went wide.
The Sea Robbers scored two quick goals, with Lungu netting from close range to open the scoring. After four minutes, Lebone Seema doubled the lead with a header from a corner kick. The Chilli Boys kept on coming, looking to pull one back, but they found it difficult to break the visitors’ backline.
Substitute Msendami capitalised on a mistake from Nwabali to put the result beyond doubt.
With this triumph, Pirates climbed up to the top position, recording their second win this season in three matches as they continue their league title defence.
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