Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy was one of the top ties of the PSL weekend, with the Bucs seeking maximum points as they continued their chase for a place in the top four.
The Buccaneers are some distance off runaway leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but their immediate concern is finishing in a Champions League slot.
All the points at this stage matter, knowing that letting anything slip was an unaffordable luxury.
The Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy game was set on this note, with the away side looking to cause an upset.
The Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy saw the Bucs win 1-0 to go fifth, making it their third win in their last four games.
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy – the hosts took a stunning first-half lead
Many were the expectations of the Orlando Pirates fans, but none would have been them seeing the visitors trouble them early on.
TS Galaxy had two chances in quick succession to go into the lead. In the sixth minute, two chances came the way of TS Galaxy, but Buthelezi was equal to the assignment.
Fortune Makaringe and Olisa Ndah were at the top of their game as they worked tirelessly to stem the early pressure from the visitors.
It took around 20 minutes before the Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy game balanced out as the home side started getting a foothold.
However, it came at a cost, as Kiimvuidi Karim replaced Pule.
The Bucs took the lead in the 24th minute after Hotto Kavendji hit his freekick through a poorly organised wall. Goalkeeper Vasilije Kolak was rooted to the line.
☠️ HT | @orlandopirates 1 – 0 @TSGALAXYFC
🥅 25' @DeonHotto
⚫⚪🔴⭐#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/fjj67x5A9J
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 9, 2023
The Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy game could have produced a second goal in the 39th minute.
Mofokeng was one-on-one with Vasilije Kolak after receiving a through pass in the box. He tried to tuck the ball under the goalkeeper, who blocked his shot, and Orlando Pirates lost the advantage.
A minute later, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo struck a shot from almost 30 yards, but Kolak produced another save as the first half finished 1-0.
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The second half started with a bit of sting taken out of it. The visitors sought a way back into the game but met a resilient Orlando Pirates defence.
It was a ding-dong affair as both sides kept probing and looking for the chink in the armour, but it seemed that with Christmas around the corner, the Bucs were in no mood to give any gifts.
The Bucs were more adventurous as they created the better chances, but could not apply the killer touch.
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made a couple of changes in the second half, but the desired second goal failed to arrive.
Lepasa, who came on in the second half had a chance to make it two for the Bucs but blazed his shot high from inside the box.
The Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy ended with the Bucs picking all three points in a 1-0 win.
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy confirmed line-ups
Orlando Pirates
Buthelezi (GK), Tapelo Nyongo, Olisa Ndah, Miguel Raoul Timm, D. Hotto Kavendji, Fortune Makaringe, N. Ndlondlo, Relebohile Mofokeng, M. Pule, Patrick Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa
Subs
Katlego Otladisa, M. Saleng, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Zakhele Lepasa, Keikie Karim, Kabelo Dlamini, Richard Ofori, Siphelo Baloni, Makhehlene Makhaula
TS Galaxy
Vasilije Kolak (GK), Mpho Mvelase, Marks Munyai, Pogiso Sanoka, M. Mahlangu, Thato Khiba, Solomon Letsoenyo, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Higor Felipe Vidal, Sphiwe Mahlangu, Lehlogonolo Mojela
Subs
Orebotse Mongae, Sibusiso Radebe, Vuyo Mere, Thabang Rakwena, Thabang Semache, Samir Nurkovic, Mlungisi Mbunjana, Lebone Seema, Fiacre Ntwari
This article was most recently revised and updated 12 months ago
