Orlando Pirates leapfrogged Mamelodi Sundowns to the top of the Betway Premiership table after defeating 10-men Durban City 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The opener came from Evidence Makgopa in the first half, his second consecutive goal after scoring the winner against Chippa United last time out. Meanwhile, the second one was scored by Patrick Maswanganyi.
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Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for four changes with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Maswanganyi, and Evidence Makgopa coming in for Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto, Sipho Mbule, and Yanela Mbuthuma.
At the same time, Gavin Hunt made a double switch, naming Fezile Gcaba and Jean Lubumba in place of Odwa Nyulu and Letsie Koapeng.
Pirates had an early scare when Mfanafuthi Mkhize rose unmarked for a free header, only to send his effort just inches wide of the target.
Despite the end-to-end nature of the game, neither side managed to carve out any clear goal-scoring chances.
That changed in the 22nd minute when Makgopa broke the deadlock, slotting in a low cross from Relebohile Mofokeng.
City pushed forward with a few attempts to claw their way back, but the visitors’ defence held firm, snuffing out any danger inside the box. The score remained 1-0 to Pirates at half-time.
The Buccaneers returned more spirited in the second half as they looked to extend the lead.
Darren Keet made a fantastic save, denying Tshepang Moremi’s attempt from the edge of the box.
The hosts struggled to break into the final third, with the Sea Robbers tightening midfield control after Makhehlene Makhaula’s introduction.
In the 68th minute, play was stopped for a few minutes after Joslin Kamatuka was struck by a clearance from Mbokazi and had to be taken off in an ambulance.
Eight minutes later, Maswanganyi doubled Ezimnyama Ngenkani’s lead, securing the victory on the road. In the closing stages of the game, Siphamandla Ncanana lost possession of the ball to Yanela Mbuthuma and committed a foul which saw him get his second yellow of the match and then a red card.
With City failing to fight back, Pirates eventually accumulated maximum points to rise to the summit of the table.
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