Absa Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 3-1 SuperSport United
Date: 14 September 2018
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates look to be over their scoring troubles as the Buccaneers registered a 3-1 win over SuperSport United in the Absa Premiership on Saturday night.
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With Thamsanqa Gabuza missing out through suspension, Milutin Sredojevic went for Augstine Mulenga in the attack.
The decision paid off for the Pirates coach, as Pirates went ahead after 15 minutes when Mulenga's cross from the left flank was headed home by Vincen Pule.
Bradley Grobler had a chance to equalise for United in the 25th minute with a header at the near post but Bucs shot-stopper Siyabonga Mpontshane smothered his effort.
Grobler had another opportunity for Matsatsantsa with a free header from inside the box five minutes later but again Mpontshane made a brilliant save at the bottom corner.
The SuperSport striker, who was the go-to man for the Tshwane giants upfront was unlucky not to have levelled matters ten minutes before halftime with another header inside the box that was goal-bound but Pirates shot-stopper Mpontshane pulled another top save.
The visitors ended the half as the stronger side but they were unable to find a way past the Bucs defence and Mpontshane.
Teboho Mokoena had a chance to level matters for Matsatsantsa in the 63rd minute with a free-kick from just outside the box but he got under the dead ball and his effort sailed over the bar.
Bongani Khumalo eventually got United back in the game 21 minutes before time with an out-stretched strike at the back post following a superb cross from Aubrey Modiba, 1-1.
However, second-half substitute Thembinkosi Lorch brilliantly restored the lead for Bucs eight minutes before time with a sweeping left-footed strike after being set up by Xola Mlambo's impressive back-heel.
Ben Motshwari sealed the win Pirates three minutes before time, bundling the ball home after his initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Bucs were cruising in the end and could have got the fourth goal in stoppage time but for Williams to keep the score respectable at 3-1 in the end.
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Here's how they lined up:
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 4. Jele, 2. Nyauza, 23. Maela, 8. Matlaba (Shonga 75'), 20. Mlambo, 27. Motshwari, 32. Mntambo (Lorch 75'), 45. Pule, 29. Mako (Thopola 65'), 17. Mulenga.
Subs: 16. Mabokgwane, 35. Thopoa, 35. Da Silva, 12. Shonga, 7. Mahachi, 42. Maphangule, 3. Loch.
SuperSport: 30. Williams, 20. Kekana, 3. Khumalo, 4. Daniels, 16. Modiba, 8. Furman, 6. Letsholonyane, 24. Mokoena (Keene 68'), 13. Phala (Lakay 27'), 19. Rusike, 7. Grobler (Lungu 90+1').
Subs: 32. Arubi, 29. Gould, 14. Bhasera, 11. Keene, 21. Ntshangase, 15. Lakay, 17. Lungu.
