Relebohile Mofokeng’s vicious first-half strike was enough to see Orlando Pirates record a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10 men Magesi FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The first half saw Pirates with more chances at goal, with the earliest coming in the fourth minute from Makhehleni Makhaula which forced Elvis Chipezeze to come make a save.
Kabelo Dlamini had a chance three minutes later from distance, but the ball was deflected before the hosts with a well-worked team attempt started by Samuel Darpoh who found John Mokone who then set-up Bafedile Baloyi with the latter shooting over the bar.
Mofokeng could have scored his first of the evening in the 23rd minute after being set-up by Deano Van Rooyen, but the youngster’s decision making let him down.
Seven minutes to the break, Magesi saw red as Lehlogonolo Mokone received a straight red card for a nasty foul on Mohau Nkota. The numerical disadvantage seems to not be an issue for the Papi Zothwane-led outfit as they nearly scored in the 43rd minute as Kayden Rademeyer set up Wonderboy Makhubu but Sipho Chaine produced a super save to deny Magesi the opener.
The visitors then broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime when Evidence Makgopa set-up Mofokeng who pulled a dummy before unleashing a stunner that beat Chipezeze hands down as Pirates made it 1-0.
Dikwena Tsa Meetse got a chance to pull matters level after being awarded a spot kick after Makhaula handled the ball in his own box. Wonderboy Makhubu stepped up but disappointingly shot wide.
The Buccaneers could have made it 2-0 ten minutes into the second period when Thalente Mbatha found Dlamini who missed the target.
There was another shot for Pirates to extend their lead from a crisp Dlamini free kick in the 68th minute but Chipezeze made a spectacular save to deny them. A minute later, Tholang Masegela produced a super shot to try to level for his side, but Chaine was alert to deny Magesi.
The Limpopo side remain rooted at the basement of the log with six points in 10 matches while Bucs closed their gap on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to three points.
