Monnapule Saleng netted in stoppage time as Orlando Pirates rallied from a goal down to beat Chippa United 2-1 in their 2024/25 Betway Premiership opener at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
In the 15th minute, Olisa Ndah got the better of his country man Stanley Nwabali but his header missed the target.
An absolute stunner from former Bucs skipper Andile Jali found the top corner in the 21st minute to give Chippa a shock 1-0 lead.
Saleng missed a glorious chance to draw Pirates level in the 34th minute shooting straight at Nwabali.
Bienvenue Eva Nga’s 36th-minute long range effort was saved by Sipho Chaine.
Good covering defence by Thabo Makhele two minutes before the interval prevented Tshegofatso Mabasa from finding the equalizer.
Last season’s golden boot winner did however make it 1-1 for Pirates with a spot kick in added time of the first period after Saleng was hacked inside the box.
Nwabali was equally up to the task to deny Relebohile Mofokeng in the 51st minute.
In the 54th minute, Chaine was well positioned to stop Makhele’s close range header.
Saleng was unlucky as his 77th-minute strike came off the upright with Nwabali well beaten.
The Nigerian international then pulled off an excellent stop in the 85th minute from Patrick Maswanganyi’s shot at the near post.
Pirates’ resilience paid off as Saleng’s 92nd minute header sealed maximum points for the Buccaneers.
