sportskeeda
The unbeaten streak of Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership was disrupted by a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Devin Titus scored the only goal of the match, breaking free and skillfully placing the ball past Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
This win was a sweet redemption for Stellenbosch, who had previously endured a disappointing defeat against Pirates in the MTN8 final in Durban last October.
In the previous season, Stellenbosch also emerged victorious against Pirates in both league matches.
This defeat marked the first for the Soweto Giants in the league this season, allowing Mamelodi Sundowns to remain atop the table after their victory against Sekhukhune United on Saturday. Both teams are currently equal on 21 points after playing eight matches.
Pirates’ coach, Jose Riveiro, maintained the same squad as in their recent 2-1 victory over Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League on Tuesday.
The team started strongly, dominating the first 15 minutes against Stellenbosch, creating over five chances but failing to score. After that initial period, the visitors began to gain control, almost finding the net from a corner kick in the 18th minute, although the Buccaneers remained alert defensively. Pirates had another good opportunity in the 27th minute, but 2023/24 Young Player of the Season, Relebohile Mofokeng, was unable to convert.
In the 30th minute, Mohau Nkota had a chance, but Sage Stephens produced a brilliant save. Then, in the 33rd minute, the visitors took the lead through Bafana Bafana winger, Titus.
Stellenbosch created another opportunity in the 35th minute, but Sipho Chaine comfortably dealt with Thabo Moloisane’s attempt. Just before halftime, an error from Stephens allowed Pirates to earn an indirect free kick, but they could not make the most of it.
The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of the visitors. Riveiro made a substitution at the start of the second half, bringing in Kabelo Dlamini for Makhehleni Makhaula. Dlamini had an immediate impact on the offense, creating more than three chances within the first 10 minutes of the second half.
The home team had a clear opportunity in the 59th minute, but Evidence Makgopa was unable to find the net. Following Makgopa’s miss, Thalente Mbatha tried a powerful shot from outside the box that went off target. The Buccaneers continued to dominate play, with Patrick Maswanganyi setting up a chance for Dlamini, whose shot hit the crossbar in the 65th minute.
In the 67th minute, Riveiro substituted Deano Van Rooyen to face his former club, replacing Thabiso Monyane. Tshegofatso Mabasa also came on for Makgopa. Stellenbosch had their first chance of the second half in the 78th minute, but De Jong’s header went astray. Pirates nearly equalized later in the match when Nkosinathi Sibisi shot directly at Sage Stephens from inside the box after a back flick from Tshegofatso Mabasa.
