Sekhukhune Stun 10-Men Pirates In Orlando

Orlando Pirates missed a chance to keep a close following of Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership log when they were stunned 1-0 by Sekhukhune United in Orlando on Wednesday evening.

Pirates came into the game nine points adrift Sundowns but could not convert chances they created against Babina Noko on a night the defending champions bagged maximum points against Richards Bay, extending their lead to 12 points.  

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Jose Riveiro’s side remain second on the log with Sekhukhune closing in two points behind them on 44 points though Pirates have four games in hand.

Pirates dominated the first half, getting into good positions and in the box but let down by their final touch. Their first real shot at goal came from Thalente Mbatha after a frustrating opening 18 minutes. Mbatha fired from range but his effort went wide.

Relebohile Mofokeng could have assisted and scored as well, he set-up Bandile Shandu in the 22^nd minute and his own attempt 10 minutes later. Kabelo Dlamini also had a chance to break the deadlock from a free-kick just after the half hour mark but his shot was punched out by Renaldo Leaner who proved to be the decider of first half action denying Pirates an opener.

It took two minutes for the home side to continue searching for a goal with Mofokeng finding Evidence Makgopa who wasted the chance shooting wide. Soon after Mbekezeli Mbokazi missed a sitter in the 51^st minute.

Sekhukhune had their best chance in the game come in the 58^th minute from Ellis Rammala whose shot was cleared for a corner. Keletso Makgalwa stepped up and sent the ball to Tresor Tshibwabwa who headed home to give the Limpopo side the lead.

Feeling confidence the visitors kept being problematic through Makgalwa and Rammala. They could have sealed the game with two goals if Chubuike Ohizu  had scored a 79^th minute attempt.

Pirates’ determination to get one back only amounted to close calls as they suffered a second successive loss in all competition following the defeat to Pyramids in the CAF Champions league semi-final. They finished the game with ten men after Nkosinathi Sibisi was given his second caution of the game.