Orlando Pirates moved up to second on the DStv Premiership table as they beat TS Galaxy 2-0 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening, while there was a win for Marumo Gallants in the earlier fixtures.
But there were draws in the other two fixtures as Cape Town City and Baroka ended goalless, and Chippa United and AmaZulu drew 1-1.
Orlando Pirates 2-0 TS Galaxy
Pirates had some early chances through Terrence Dzvukamanja, but the Zimbabwean was wayward with two attempts in the opening ten minutes.
But Bandile Shandu was not to be denied in the 14th minute, even though Marlon Heugh saved his initial attempt, the former Maritzburg United player was able to follow up and score from an acute angle.
Kwame Peprah finally thought he had his first Pirates goal in the 28th minute, but his shot hit the upright, and rolled across the face of goal. Heugh denied Deon Hotto from out wide three minutes later.
Heugh had to be alert to deny an own goal from Ebrahim Seedat in the 35th minute, as the Galaxy defender almost deflected Shandu’s cross into his own goal. At half-time, Pirates held onto their 1-0 lead.
Collins Makgaka made it 2-0 in the 50th minute, with a simple tap in after being set up by a composed Deon Hotto.
Shandu was on target in the 58th minute, but Heugh got down to make the save. Substitute Ben Motshwari went narrowly wide three minutes later, having only just come onto the pitch.
While Galaxy tried to get back into the game, they struggled to test Siyabonga Mpontshane, and in stoppage time Thembinkosi Lorch almost made it three for Pirates on the break, but went just wide.
In the end it was a convincing win for the Buccaneers.
Chippa United 1-1 AmaZulu
Chippa and AmaZulu had to settle for a point a piece, as they drew 1-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Lehlohonolo Majoro made it 1-0 for the visitors, opening the scoring in the 25th minute of the game, as he tapped in after Rashid Watenga misjudged Mbongeni Gumede’s ball into the box.
However their lead was short-lived, as Bienvenu Eva Nga found an equaliser five minutes later after being set up by Thokozani Sekotlong.
And that’s how the scoring ended, as neither team could find a winner in the second half.
Baroka 0-0 Cape Town City
Baroka and City ended goalless at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
While Cape Town City dominated the first half, there weren’t too many clear cut chances, and at the break it remained goalless.
Baroka were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute, when the ball struck Nathan Fasika on the hand. Richard Mbulu stepped up to take the kick, but Hugo Marques made a good save to deny the shot.
And in the end, neither team were able to find a winner, and it ended with points shared.
Swallows 0-1 Marumo Gallants
Gallants grabbed a late winner to beat Swallows 1-0 at the Dobsonville Stadium.
After a goalless first half, it looked to be heading to a draw before Gallants grabbed a winner with five minutes to go, Sede Dion getting on the scoresheet for Dan Malesela’s team.
