Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over AmaZulu FC in a DStv Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday evening.
Pirates played with so much determination in the opening exchanges as they searched for an early goal against a stubborn Usuthu side.
The hosts were awarded a free-kick in a promising area in the ninth minute and Deon Hotto forced AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa into a comfortable save from the set-piece.
Nkanyiso Zungu’s header was then cleared off the goal-line in the 16th minute, before Frank Mhango placed his effort over the crossbar from the rebound.
Pirates continued to push for the opening goal after the half-hour mark as Thembinkosi Lorch’s effort from range was deflected and Mothwa made an easy save.
AmaZulu then contained Pirates and the score was 0-0 at the interval.
Vincent Pule tried to make an immediate impact a few minutes after being introduced, but the Pirates winger’s shot was well-saved by Mothwa, who was in a good positioned to make a save.
Pirates remained on the back-foot midway in the second half and needed an outstretched palm from Siyabonga Mpontshane to turn substitute Luvuyo Memela’s curler behind for a corner.
The Buccaneers however had the lead in the last 15 minutes when Mhango send a free-kick from outside the area into the top corner of Mothwa’s net.
Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 victory in favour of Pirates, who were able to contain AmaZulu in the closing proceedings.
The win saw the Buccaneers remain fourth on the league standings, but they are now four points behind second-placed Usuthu and Pirates have a game in hand.
The second-placed finishers qualify for the Caf Champions League, and third-placed for the Confederation Cup.