Orlando Pirates continued their PSL resurgence as they picked up their third win in four league games against local rivals Moroka Swallows in the Original Soweto derby which took place at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
First-half goal from Evidence Makgopa five minutes before the break set the Buccaneers on course for a win before an unfortunate own goal from Sipho Sibiya 18 minutes from time sealed a 2-0 win for Orlando Pirates.
☠️ FT || @orlandopirates 2 – 0 @Moroka_Swallows
🥅 39' Makgopa
🥅 72' Sibiya (OG)⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/1jkbnRrCdG
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 5, 2023
The home side scored from their only two shots on target after 10 attempts. On the other hand, the visitors failed to register a shot on target from 11 efforts.
Let's delve into the action!
Orlando Pirates vs Moroka Swallows: How it happened
Jose Riveiro's maintained the same starting XI from their goalless draw with Richards Bay last time out. On the other hand, Coach Steve Komphela recalled Falakhe Tshanini, Kagiso Malinga, and Dusani Zuma, meanwhile Tshegofatso Mabasa served his suspension.
The Buccaneers began the game on a strong foot and looked to have gone ahead as Evidence Makgopa curled home from the far side, however, the goal was ruled out for offside having failed to time his run.
The early let-off spurred Komphela's men into action as they began to probe for goal. The Dube Birds had a chance from a free-kick which Gabadinho Mhango wasn't able to lift over the wall.
Both sides continued to search for the opening goal up until the 40th minute mark when the deadlock was finally broken.
Makgopa who had an earlier goal disallowed for offside made amends this time as he steered himself away from a Vusi Sibiya's challenge to go clean on goal, firing into the top corner.
The visitors could have replied just before the break but an unfortunate stumble in the box from Mhango let the Buccaneers off the hook who went to half-time with a one goal advantage.
An unfortunate own goal in the second half sealed victory for Orlando Pirates
With both sides going at each other with no clear-cut chances to score, the two coaches sought for options from the bench.
For Pirates, Kabelo Dlamini and Nkosinathi Sibisi came on for Patrick Maswanganyi and Tapelo Xoki in the 62nd minute, and then four minutes after, Daweron van Rhyn and Sipho Sibiya replaced Lindokuhle Mtshali and Keegan Allan for the Dube Birds.
With the clock ticking fast, the Bucs made further changes as Vincent Pule and Evidence Makgopa were hooked off for Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lerato Lepasa.
The changes made an immediate impact as just a minute into the action, Saleng stormed down the right before forcing a deflection from Sibiya, who guided the ball into the back of his own net to double Pirates lead in the 72nd minute.
Neither side scored in the remaining minutes of regulation time as the MTN8 champions saw out a big win at home.
The three points pushed Pirates up to 6th on the PSL table, with a point above Swallows after recording 5 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses in their first 12 league games.
Pirates have also now extended their winning streak in the Original Soweto derby to three against the Swallows.
Orlando Pirates vs Moroka Swallows confirmed lineups
Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi (GK); Hotto, Ndah, Xoki; Maswanganyi, Timm, Ndlondlo, Pule; Ratomo, Makgopa, Makaringe.
Subs: Ofori, Sibisi, Sesane, Saleng, Dlamini, Baloni, Kimvuidi, Erasmus, Lepasa.
Moroka Swallows: Akpeyi (GK); Falakhe, Sibiya, Allan, Philips; Mtshali, Zuma, Mthethwa, Patjie; Mhango, Malinga.
Subs: Mbanjwa, Sibiya, Letlabika, Maponya, Shwabule, Rampa, Rhyn, Mangweni, Khumalo.
This article was most recently revised and updated 10 months ago
