Kwame Peprah scored a brace as Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to beat Marumo Gallants 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium on Monday evening.
The result sees Pirates return into second spot on the DStv Premiership table, although still 16 points off leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, before their game this evening.
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Marumo Gallants
Gallants grabbed the lead in the 12th minute, Siphelele Ntshangase delivered a cross into the box towards Sede Dion, and while the striker didn’t get a touch, the ball bounced and beat Siyabonga Mpontshane, and Ntshangase was on the scoresheet for the first time since 2017.
A minute later Ntsikelelo Nyauza’s header was off target, while Ben Motshwari shot wide in the 16th minute.
Kwame Peprah (in his 13th game) finally got off the mark in Orlando Pirates colours, when he found the equaliser in the 24th minute, a well struck shot from the young Ghanaian striker, after being set up by Thembinkosi Lorch.
That goal seemed to unshackle Peprah, and he had his second three minutes, as his shot from in front of goal snuck under Washington Arubi. Another assist by Lorch to give Pirates the lead.
Peprah’s attempt in the 34th minute was deflected behind for a corner, while Nyauza’s shot in the 42nd minute was always going wide.
Celimpilo Ngema’s free kick attempt in the 44th minute was straight at Mpontshane, and at the break Pirates led 2-1.
Dion had an early chance in the second half, but his 48th minute shot was saved by Mpontshane.
Pirates went close again in the 56th minute, but Arubi did well to deny Ntsako Makhubela first-time shot from close range, while there was missed attempts at the other end from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Dion a few minutes later.
Goodman Mosele was off target in the 72nd minute, while Lerato Lamola went high and wide at the other end in the 77th minute.
Gallants, who dominated possession in the second half, pushed hard for a way back into the game, but Thabo Mnyamane’s header in the 82nd minute went over the goal.
Pirates could’ve added a third in the 87th minute, but Terrence Dzvukamanja’s header was cleared off the line, while Mnyamane’s free kick in the 90th minute was off target.
And in the end Pirates held on for the win, and an important three points.
Both teams are back in action on Thursday, when Pirates host AmaZulu, while Gallants visit Sundowns in the final games of 2021.
