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Mabasa takes Pirates back to winning form

football14 September 2019 15:15| © Backpage TXT
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Tshegofatso Mabasa scored two goals as Orlando Pirates returned to winning form in the Absa Premiership, defeating Chippa United 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers had to weather a late storm from the Chilli Boys, but ultimately held out to claim their first win since the opening weekend of the season. The Eastern Cape side, meanwhile, has yet to pick up a three-pointer in 2019/20.

Pirates created the first clear chance with a fine passing move in the eighth minute, as Mabasa was put in on goal, but the striker was unable to beat former Bloemfontein Celtic teammate Patrick Tignyemb, who made a sharp save.

The hosts enjoyed the lion's share of possession and pushed Chippa onto the back foot for most of the first half, but they lacked the necessary finesses and vision in the final third to really open the defence in front of them.

The Chilli Boys' centre-back pairing of Frederic Nsabiyumva and Kelvin Moyo did a great job of keeping Mabasa and Augustine Mulenga under wraps, while Thembinkosi Lorch couldn't quite find the space against a deep-lying defence to do his best work.

The first half ended with the teams locked at 0-0, and Pirates responded with a substitution at the start of the second: Ntsikelelo Nyauza made way for Thabiso Monyane.

The youngster showed his attacking intent early on as he blazed a shot just over after latching onto a loose ball in the opening minutes after the restart.

Bucs were finally rewarded for their dominance in the 55th minute when a slick passing move put Mabasa in a scoring position, and this time he swept home a low, left-footed shot to make it 1-0 and bring up his first goal in the black and white.

Four minutes later the striker scored his second: Monyane pulled a good ball back from the right by-line, and Mabasa provided a skillful turn under pressure from Nsabiyumva before sending another low effort past Tignyemb for 2-0.

Chippa looked to be well out of the game, but they sparked hope of a comeback when Lerato Manzini scored from close range in the 80th minute, capitalising on a rebound after Joris Delle couldn't hold Rhulani Manzini’s powerful shot direct from a free kick.

Two minutes later Nsabiyumva had a powerful header on target from a corner kick, but this time Delle made a fine save to keep his side in the lead.

Ultimately Pirates held out for a win which takes them level with third-placed Mamelodi Sundowns on eight points (having played game more), while Chippa remain in 13th spot.

Orlando Pirates (0) 2 (Mabasa 55’ 59’)

Chippa United (0) 1 (L. Manzini 80’)

Pirates: Delle, Nyauza (Monyane 46’), Jele, Maela, Makaringe, Nyatama, Mlambo, Ndlovu, Lorch, Mulenga (Ndengane 75’), Mabasa (Lepasa 72’)

Chippa: Tignyemb, Damons, K. Moyo, Nsabiyumva, Mashaba (R. Manzini 73’), Malepe, Komane, Lentjies (Twala 63’), Maphangule (Maziya 63’), Rakhale, L. Manzini

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