Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates claimed a fifth straight DStv Premiership win after they defeated Cape Town City 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates came from behind to claim the victory – with goals from Terrence Dzvukamanja and Monnapule Saleng – and have opened a two-point lead over SuperSport United in the race to be ‘best of the rest’ behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns. City – who led via Khanyisa Mayo – remain in fifth place on the log.
City broke the deadlock 18 minutes into the game when Mayo combined on a counter attack with Juan Zapata and picked out the bottom corner of the net with a crisp finish.
Pirates needed just nine minutes to hit back, as Dzvukamanja nodded home Innocent Maela’s assist in the wake of a corner kick routine.
The hosts now had momentum on their side, but struggled to create further chances – even after the introductions of Fortune Makaringe and Thabiso Monyane on the hour mark.
Kermit Erasmus’ arrival with just over 20 minutes to play did the trick, however, as Pirates upped their intensity and pushed harder for the winning goal.
It arrived in the 77th minute, with Saleng capitalising on a fine pass from Nkosinathi Sibisi and curling home a low shot to put the Soweto giants 2-1 up.
The hosts had further chances to add to their lead, but ultimately settled for a one-goal victory which takes them closer to qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action next weekend, with City away to Royal AM on 29 April and Pirates visiting TS Galaxy the following day.
Meanwhile TS Galaxy scored a late equaliser to hold Royal AM to a 1-1 draw in a DStv Premiership match at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.