Absa Premiership
Full-time: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Chippa United
Date: 28 April 2017
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Goals from Thamsanqa Gabuza and Thabo Matlaba handed Orlando Pirates a 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium.
Chippa were dealt a blow after just seven minutes when Pentjie Zulu suffered an early knock. He was replaced by Zaphaniah Mbokoma.
Siyabonga Mpontshane was called into after 10 minutes, as he produced a good save to keep out Thamsanqa Sangweni's powerful effort from 20-yards out.
Pirates broke the deadlock with their first real opening after 29 minutes when Thamsanqa Gabuza turned home Thabo Matlaba's cross with a superb acrobatic effort, 1-0.
Despite Pirates going ahead, it was an evenly contested affair although Chippa were struggling to carve out clear-cut opportunities.
However, the Chilli Boys equalised on the stroke of halftime as Paseka Mako broke into the box, before calmly slotting under Mpontshane.
The Buccaneers could have restored their lead shortly after the break, but Gabuza somehow fired over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box.
However, the hosts restored their lead in the 64th minute through a long range strike from Thabo Matlaba, although Chippa's Dlamini should have done better with strike.
Kjell Jonevret opted for a change after 71 minutes as Gabuza made way for Tendai Ndoro, who was looking to end his drought in the league.
Chippa made a change of their own in the 84th minute as Diamond Thapola made for Sizwe Mdlinzo as they pushed for an equalising goal.
However, the visitors were reduced to 10 men two minutes later as Thamsanqa Gabuza was given his marching order for a second bookable offence.
Nonetheless, Pirates managed to see off a late surge from Chippa to claim three points and return to winning ways.
Here's how they lined up:
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 2. Gcaba, 4. Jele, 8. Matlaba, 21. Phungwayo, 18. Sarr, 45. Mobara, 20. Manyisa, 29. Lorch (Rakhale 45'), 5. Makola, 9. Gabuza (Ndoro '7`').
Chippa: Dlamini, 7. Mako, 13. Chabalala, 17. Mvelase, 35. Bergman, 15. Zuke, 21. Sangweni, 10. Mbenyane, 19. Manzini, 18. Zulu (Mbokoma 7'), 24. Thopola.
