Orlando Pirates beat Supersport United 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Caf Champions League alive.
Jose Riveiro made two changes from the team that beat Venda Football Academy in the Nedbank Cup last week – Deon Hotto and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo made way for Innocent Maela and Thabang Monare.
Supersport United also made two changes from the side that beat Golden Arrows two weeks ago – Neo Rapoo and Thamsanqa made way for Bradley Grobler and Gamphani Lungu.
Inside the first five minutes Pirates right-back Paseka Mako denied Thapelo Maseko a decent goal scoring opportunity.
Right through the first half, chances were and far between and the match finally came alive in the second half. Ten minutes into the second half, Maela played a telling cross inside the Supersport United box but Thembinkosi Lorch arrived a few second later.
The first real goal scoring chance of the match came on the 70th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi came one-on-one with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine – but the Bucs shot stopper made produced a fine save.
The home side were awarded a penalty when Monnapule Saleng was fouled in the box by Onismor Bhasera and Jelly Chavani pointed to the spot. Tapelo Xoki stepped up and platted the spot-kick into the back of the net to give Pirates a 1-0 win.
The Buccaneers remain third on the log on 37 points, but they have now reduced Supersport United lead by two points.
By Zola Doda