Orlando Pirates moved up to third on the DStv Premiership log this week, following a 2-1 win over Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both Pirates and Arrows were awarded first-half penalties, which were converted by Patrick Maswanganyi and Nduduzo Sibiya respectively. However, it was Karim Kimvuidi’s 56th-minute strike that separated the two teams on the day, as the DR Congo midfielder bagged the Man of the Match award.
Pirates applied pressure early on, as the likes of Kimvuidi and Katlego Otladisa produced the first couple of chances of the match. While Pirates held most of the ball during the first five minutes of the game, Arrows were forced to defend on the edge of the penalty area.
It was a cagey affair at the Mpumalanga Stadium after 15 minutes on the clock, with neither side able to create any notable scoring chances. Arrows attacked in sporadic moments, which was often during counter-attacking situations, but they struggled to make the most of their opportunities in the final third.
The Buccaneers’ pressure paid off in the 28th minute after Gladwin Shitolo’s late tackle on Kimvuidi inside the box prompted the referee to point to the spot. In stepping up to take the penalty, Patrick Maswanganyi rifled the ball home toward the goalkeeper’s left.
Pirates continued to dominate the ball possession count as the half progressed while Arrows looked blunt when driving the ball forward. However, Abafana Bes Thende were awarded a lifeline on the stroke of halftime, after Ryan Moon was impeded by Nkosinathi Sibisi inside the 18-yard area.
Nduduzo Sibiya then joined Maswanganyi on the scoresheet following a superbly-taken penalty that sent Melusi Buthelezi the wrong way. The referee called time on the first half, with the score tied at 1-1.
Pirates came close to doubling their tally soon after the restart, however, a poor finish by Otladisa from close range let Arrows off the hook. The Buccaneers looked lively during the opening stages of the second half and actively searched for a second goal.
However, the visitors eventually restored their lead shortly before the hour mark as Kimvuidi opened his account in the DStv Premiership with a well-taken left-footed strike inside the area. With wind in their sails, Pirates stroked the ball around with confidence and took control of the tie.
After making a number of attacking alterations from the bench, the travelling outfit continued to take the game to Arrows and created a couple of notable scoring chances toward the end of the tie. Nevertheless, Pirates held on to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win in Mpumalanga.
Golden Arrows: (1) (Sibiya 44’)
Orlando Pirates: (1) 2 (Maswanganyi 30’, Kimvuidi 56’)
GOLDEN ARROWS: Mlungwana, Theron (Mutizwa 88’), Shitolo, Mantshiyane, Cross, Ndwandwe, Tlolane (Zuke 81’), Zwane, Sibiya, Van Rooi (Motloung 81’), Moon (Nguse 60’)
ORLANDO PIRATES: Buthelezi, Hotto, Sibisi, Ndah (Xoki 69’), Makaringe, Ndlondlo, Timm, Maswanganyi (Lorch 69’), Otladisa (Dlamini 77’), Kimvuidi (Mofokeng 83’), Makgopa (Lepasa 69’)