Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates secured another win in the Premier Soccer League after beating Siwelele FC 1-0 at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfotein, on Tuesday evening.
The match got off to a lively start with Gape Moralo’s dangerous free-kick being well saved by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in the seventh minute.
Almost immediately at the other end, Deon Hotto’s long ball found an unmarked Relebohile Mofokeng, who failed to make the perfect connection with only keeper Ricardo Goss to beat.
Siwelele looked dangerous when they played crosses and long balls into the Bucs’ defence. Chibuike Ohizu’s free-header narrowly missed the target in the 15th minute and Vincent Pule’s attempt went straight into Chaine’s hands after a mistake by Lebone Seema on the stroke of halftime. The score was 0-0 at the interval.
Oswin Appollis proved to be a super substitute with 10 minutes left on the clock as he hit the back of the net with a hard and low shot to hand Pirates a 1-0 lead after being set-up by fellow substitute Evidence Makgopa.
Siwelele had to push forward in numbers in a bid to level matters and they were presented with a golden opportunity to equalize in the 83rd minute, but substitute Christian Saile headed the ball straight into Chaine’s hands. Chaine also denied Lyle Lakay in stoppage time to ensure that Pirates claimed a 1-0 win on the night.
Pirates will now host Lesotho’s Lioli FC in Saturday’s CAF Champions League clash in Orlando Stadium, Soweto.