Following an efficient showing in the Mother City, Orlando Pirates extended their winning streak to five matches in the DStv Premiership this week following a 2-0 victory against Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
.gif)
In continuing his fine goal scoring form in the league, Mabasa’s second-half brace was enough for Pirates to secure maximum points in the Western Cape.
☠️ FT || @CapeTownCityFC 0 - 2 @orlandopirates
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 1, 2024
🥅 59', 73' Mabasa
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/TMaX2SnhR0
The confident attacker took his tally to 13 goals in the DStv Premiership so far, level with Stellenbosch striker Iqraam Rayners at the top of the goal scorer’s list.
The game commenced at a rapid pace at the DHL Stadium with Pirates edging the home side to the ball possession count in the first 10 minutes.
However, it was City who created the first notable scoring chance of the match as Sipho Chaine saved Keanu Cupido’s shot from range.
Pirates continued to see more of the ball half way through the first half but were met with aggressive defending by Eric Tinkler’s outfit.
The Buccaneers looked sharp during their build-up phases while City looked to punish the travelling side in transition.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa were the attackers-in-chief for Pirates throughout the first 45, while Khanyisa Mayo and Jaedin Rhodes looked dangerous for City going forward.
After what was a tense first 45, neither side were able to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities as the referee introduced the break with the score tied at 0-0.
MABASA BRACE
The Sea Robbers commenced the second half on the front foot and again, saw most of the ball early on.
Pirates then took the lead shortly before the hour mark as Mabasa etched his name on the scoresheet.
Following a swift transitional move in the middle of the park, Mabasa was played through on goal by Mofokeng and capped off a clever run into the area with a calm finish toward Daren Keet’s left.
Mofokeng x Mabasa ☠
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 1, 2024
Pirates lead as Mabasa responds to Rayners ⚽🔥
📺 Stream #DStvPrem live: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/WOW71iHhsK
Pirates doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute as Mabasa completed his brace before being summoned to the bench.
It was the usual suspects yet again for the Soweto club, with Mofokeng picking out Mabasa in the middle of the 18-yard-area, who then slotted the ball home with ease.
☠️ 🫅🏾 Man of the Match | Tshegofatso Mabasa
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 1, 2024
⚽️ FT || @CapeTownCityFC 0 - 2 @orlandopirates
🥅 59', 73' Mabasa
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#Matchday #DStvPrem#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/ikJKXLdLxl
The Buccaneers looked comfortable on the ball toward the end of the game as City provided little attacking threat going forward.
With the ref calling time on the affair in the Mother City, Pirates held on to extend their impressive five-match winning run.
Cape Town City: (0) 0
Orlando Pirates: (0) 2 (Mabasa 58’, 73’)
Cape Town City: Deet, van Heerden, Gordinho, Mkhize (Kutumela 83’), Petrus, Slatsha (Goedeman 48’), Rhodes, Paciencia (Ah Shene 63’), Cupido (Fisher 26’), Gonzalez (Sereets 79’)
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Hotto, Sesane (Sibisi 72’), Xoki, Monyane, Timm, Mbatha (Ndlondlo 91’), Mofokeng (Kimvuidi 90’), Kapinga (Otladisa 85’), Dlamini, Mabasa (Makgopa 82’)