Orlando Pirates saw off Magesi FC 3-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday to narrow the gap at the top with Mamelodi Sundowns to three points thanks to Patrick Maswanganyi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Oswin Appollis goals.
Pirates remained second on the Betway Premiership table with 65 points from 28 outings a game in hand over Sundowns. The result also sunk the Limpopo side deeper in trouble as they remained at the bottom of the log with 21 points also with two matches left to play.
It was a high tempo game from the first whistle with the home side receiving their only chance at goal in the first half in the sixth minute through Khonadzeo Muvhango but he landed the ball on the roof of the net.
They were made to rue that missed chance two minutes later. Appollis found Maswanganyi in the box and a little interchange between Tito and Evidence Makgopa ended up with former breaking the deadlock eliminating five defenders in the process.
It was Tito’s second goal in as many matches which took his tally to eight this season. Sebelebele had a shot from range saved in the 10th minute but redeemed himself four minutes later from a combination play involving Deon Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates were in charge creating more chances and could have tripled their lead in the 28th minute through Tito who had his attempt saved. There was another opportunity 10 minutes from that, a counter attack by Pirates led by Appollis found Mofokeng who set-up Maswanganyi but the latter missed the target with his final touch. Maswanganyi missed another opportunity a minute to the break shooting over the bar.
Allan Freese made a double sub at the start of the second half bringing on Nyakala Raphadu for Kabelo Mahlasela and Tholang Masegela for Sibusiso Magaqa while Pirates were unchanged.
The visitors continued where they left off searching for a third goal. Hotto has his effort go wide five minutes into the stanza. The Namibia International missed another opportunity in the 56th minute.
The Buccaneers’ persistence was finally rewarded at the hour mark when they won a penalty after Sebelebele appeared to have been fouled in the box. Appollis stepped up and converted from the spot to triple the lead.
Pirates’ last two matches are against Durban City at home and Orbit College away while Magesi travel to Siwelele for their penultimate match of the campaign and hosts Richards Bay on the final day.
