sportskeeda
Relebohile Mofokeng’s first-half strike propelled Orlando Pirates to a win over Magesi FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
Mofokeng outmaneuvered his defender with a skillful run just before halftime, and while Magesi hesitated, he expertly curled the ball into the far corner of the net, allowing the Soweto Giants to close the gap to just three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Pirates now hold 27 points, chasing Sundowns, who secured a 2-0 victory against Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers faced a tough challenge to secure all three points against a 10-man Magesi, who had previously knocked them out of the Carling Knockout Cup in the first round back in October.
Buoyed by their recent 8-1 demolition of Marumo Gallants, one of the biggest wins in PSL history, matching SuperSport United’s remarkable victory by the same scoreline against Zulu Royals during the 2003-2004 season, Pirates approached this match with confidence.
Pirates capitalized on their chances, with Makhehleni Mkhaula registering their first shot on target within the first five minutes, sending a curling attempt from outside the box that was well-handled by Elvis Chipezeze.
Mofokeng nearly put Pirates ahead shortly after when Deano Van-Royen assisted him in the box, but his shot was blocked by the Magesi defense before he could get a clean strike.
As the first half drew to a close, Magesi FC faced a setback when Lehlogonolo Mokone received a red card for a high tackle on Mohau Nkota, interrupting a promising counter-attack from Pirates.
With a numerical advantage, Pirates capitalized in the 45th minute when a short corner kick found Mofokeng at the edge of the box, enabling him to unleash a shot that left Chipezeze with no chance to see it.
Despite being a player short, Magesi remained resilient, earning a penalty just before halftime. Wonderboy Makhubu sent Sipho Chaine the wrong way, but his spot-kick went wide, denying Magesi an equalizer.
Pirates made a double substitution in the second half, introducing Tito Maswanganyi and Boitumelo Radiopane for Makhaula, who had received a first-half yellow card, and Evidence Makgopa, looking to increase the pressure on the struggling Magesi.
Magesi responded to Pirates’ increasing pressure with dangerous counterattacks and came close to leveling the score with a long-range shot, but Sipho Chaine’s quick reflexes ensured Pirates maintained their lead, conceding only a corner.
Ultimately, despite Magesi’s efforts to salvage a point and Pirates’ attempts to extend their advantage, the match was settled by a lone goal.
