Orlando Pirates boosted their chances of securing a CAF Champions League spot after defeating second-placed SuperSport United 1-0 on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 1-0 SuperSport United
Date: 18 March 2023
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Kermit Erasmus maintained his spot in the Pirates attack against his former side, while Thabang Monare was restored to the midfield in place of Ndlondlo, who dropped to the bench.
For SuperSport, Zakhele Lepasa lined up against his parent club after bagging a brace against Golden Arrows two weeks ago, while Gavin Hunt recalled Ghampani Lungu in the attack.
The Buccanneers dictated the affair from the onset while they looked lively down the left flank with Thembinkosi Lorch seeing a lot of the ball in the opening ten minutes.
Erasmus had the game's first chance on 20 minutes after getting on the end Lorch's knockdown in the box, but the striker saw his powerful left-footed strike blocked by Thulani Hlatshwayo.
SuperSport had been quiet for most of the half but they carved out a big chance eight minutes before the break when Siphesihle Ndlovu played in Lepasa, who skewed his strike wide of the mark.
It was more of the same in the second half, as Jose Riveiro's charges did all the attacking but they were let down by the final ball on a number of ocassions.
Both coaches looked to their bench just after the hour mark, as SuperSport threw on Onismor Bhasrea for Lepasa, while Pirates introduced Fortune Makaringe and Evidence Makgopa replaced Kabelo Dlamini and Erasmus.
SuperSport should have taken the lead with 20 minutes to go when Maseko managed to weave his way into the box, but he was denied by a fine save from Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
The home side were then awarded a penalty in the 78th minute when Saleng was brought down in the area, which allowed defender Thapelo Xoki to step up and calmly convert for the opening goal.
Gavin Hunt's charges threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, but the Buccaneers defended well to hold on for maximum points.
Orlando Pirates: 34. Chaine, 27. Xoki, 5. Sibisi, 23. Maela, 29. Mako, 16. Monare, 4. Timm, 14. Saleng, 3. Lorch, 18. Dlamini, 95. Erasmus
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 2. Monyane, 39. Mthethwa, 15. Ndlondlo, 11. Makaringe, 45. Pule, 17. Makgopa, 11. Hotto, 21. Marou
SuperSport United: 20. Goss, 6. Ditlhokwe, 3. Hlatshwayo, 37. Johannes, 28. Maswanganyi, 23. Margeman, 40. Maseko, 8. Ndlovu, 17. Lungu, 10. Lepasa, 7. Grobler
Subs: 1. Chigova, 18. Nhlapo, 11. Ngoma, 13. Gabuza, 12. Webber, 24. Sibanyoni, 14. Bhasera, 29. Niang, 4. Kewuti
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