Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates missed the chance to move within a point of second spot after suffering a 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy in DStv Premiership match on Sunday.
Masilake Phohlongo was the hero for the Rockets as he scored the only goal of the encounter in the first-half and the Mpumalanga-based side’ was able to see out the match.
The Rockets were hoping to avoid a third successive defeat and also climb back into the top eight on the league standings with a victory over the Buccaneers.
While Bucs were looking to move into the top three on the standings with a win over the Rockets and also make it two wins in a row after defeating AmaZulu FC 1-0 on Thursday.
Wayde Jooste, Abel Mabaso, Nkanyiso Zungu, Vincent Pule and Kabelo Dlamini were all recalled to the starting line-up as coach Josef Zinnbauer made five changes to the team which faced AmaZulu.
Galaxy caught Pirates by surprise as the hosts grabbed an early goal just three minutes into the game through Masilake Phohlongo, who had also scored in the first round 1-1 draw between the two teams in January 2021.
The former Ajax Cape Town attacking midfielder headed home from close range to hand Galaxy a 1-0 lead after the visitors had failed to clear Ebrahim Seedat’s curling cross from the left flank.
The introduction of Deon Hotto prior to the second-half brought some needed pace and trickery to the Pirates attack and he set-up Frank Mhango, whose shot was blocked by Marlon Heugh from a one-on-one situation.
Bucs continued to push for the equalising goal, but they were wasteful in front of goal as Thembinkosi Lorch dragged his shot wide of the target from inside the box, before Mhango miscued his shot from the edge of the area.
Pirates, who are set to take on Baroka FC on Wednesday, remained fourth on the standings – four points behind second-placed AmaZulu FC.