sportskeeda
The Orlando Pirates secured their fifth consecutive league victory (eighth overall) by defeating TS Galaxy 2-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. This crucial win elevates the Buccaneers to third place in the Betway Premiership standings.
Match Summary and Milestones
Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the pivotal second goal towards the end of the game, ensuring all three points for the Pirates.
This goal was particularly significant as it represented Mabasa’s 50th goal for the Pirates, executed with a clever header from a delivery by Deon Hotto following a momentary lapse in the Galaxy defense.
The Pirates now have 15 points after seven matches, sitting six points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns (who have played three additional games) and five points behind second-place Sekhukhune United (with two extra matches under their belt).
Prior to this match, the Pirates were placed eighth, having accumulated 12 points from six games, while Galaxy sat in sixth with 13 points from seven fixtures.
On-Field Highlights
Coach Adnan Beganovic’s TS Galaxy sought their first victory against the Pirates at Orlando Stadium, a site where they previously drew 1-1 with the Buccaneers last May, stopping Pirates from continuing their title chase.
The Soweto Giants made an early impression, with Tshepang Moremi hitting the post during a quick left-side attack. Pirates generated early opportunities, leading to a penalty when Masindi Nemtajela was fouled in the box by Mlungisi Mbunjana. Referee Siyabulela Qunta promptly awarded the penalty.
Evidence Makgopa converted the penalty, marking his first league goal of the season. Galaxy’s goalkeeper Ira Tape dove in the right direction and made contact but couldn’t stop the powerful shot.
The second half began briskly, with Moremi delivering a dangerous cross just two minutes in, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lebone Seema collided while trying to meet it.
As the match progressed, coach Abdelsam Ouaddou’s Pirates ramped up their intensity. Moremi had another near miss, sending a shot into the side-netting. TS Galaxy worked hard, making Pirates’ second goal vital for securing the match.
Substitute Oswin Appollis came close to setting up fellow sub Tshegofatso Mabasa, but Tape swiftly cut off the danger. Deon Hotto also tried a long-range shot, but Tape managed to deflect it safely.
Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was called into action late in the match, making a crucial close-range save against Seluleko Mahlambi (brother of Phakamani Mahlambi) after an exquisite pass from Puso Dithejane.
The defining moment arrived when Mabasa, who had replaced Makgopa, found himself unmarked and headed the ball into the far corner, sealing the victory past Tape.
