League points eluded Orlando Pirates once more as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat in their Betway Premiership against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night.
It was the second loss in as many league fixtures for Soweto Giants, who visited Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at Dr Molemela Stadium for their first away in the ongoing campaign.
Pirates displayed intent from the opening minutes, forcing Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi into an early save. The shot came from the boot of striker Boitumelo Radiopane, whose left-footed effort was kept out by the Zimbabwean international.
Debutant Lebone Seema followed that up with a headed effort from the resultant corner, but was unable to direct the ball on target. Arubi was called upon once more in the seventh minute when he effected a crucial touch to keep out a threatening cross from Tshepho Mashiloane on the right flank.
The Buccaneers’ continued to dictate matters and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Deon Hotto got on the end of an excellent long ball from stand-in skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi before linking up with Patrick Maswanganyi, who expertly guided the ball into the net.
The goal sprung the hosts into action as they threatened the Bucs penalty area in their pursuit for the equaliser.
Arubi remained the busier of the two keepers, however, and continued to stand between the visitors and a more substantial lead. He denied Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis in quick succession with Radiopane also failing to breach his defences with an attempt from point-blank range.
Scores were level on the stroke of halftime, following sustained pressure placed on the Bucs defence by the hosts. Winger Daniel Msendami found the decisive touch, firing past a diving Sipho Chaine to make it 1-1.
Looking to restore their lead as they emerged from the tunnel, Pirates continued to enjoy most of the possession. This was without too many clear-cut chances as Gallants absorbed the pressure throughout the opening minutes of the second period.
Replacement striker Evidence Makgopa went agonisingly close shortly after being substituted in as he collected a cross from Hotto before firing just wide from close range. Sinoxolo Kwayiba was on target with his effort late in the game but could not find a way past Arubi.
The breakthrough came at the other end of the pitch as the home side delivered a dagger deep in injury time. Substitute forward Jaisen Clifford provided the late winner as he fired in from close range.
There wasn’t enough time on the clock for Pirates to launch a comeback, with the final whistle eventually sounding. It confirmed another loss for the Buccaneers, who are still yet to get off the mark in the league this season.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Mashiloane, Hotto, Nduli, Mariko (Kwayiba 69’), Maswanganyi, Moremi (Mofokeng 57’), Appollis (Sebelebele 85’), Radiopane (Makgopa 57’).
