Moremi Delivers as Pirates Down Polokwane 1–0. Image-Orlando Pirates.
(The Post News) -The Orlando Pirates defeated Polokwane City 1-0 at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night, securing their aspirations of winning the Betway Premiership title.
The Buccaneers, who have won six straight league games, reduced the margin over leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to just three points with two games remaining after Tshepang Moremi’s early goal sealed all three points. With the victory, Pirates moved up to third place in the standings, sending a strong message to their title rivals.
After just six minutes, the Buccaneers surged ahead and converted their early pressure with a score. Goalie Brian Bwire of Polokwane deflected a teaseful cross from Oswin Appolis right into Moremi’s path. The winger responded by scoring his second league goal of the season from close range.
Halfway through the first half, Moremi nearly doubled his score with a deft lofted pass from Patrick Maswanganyi, but his first-time attempt missed the mark. Polokwane threatened a moment later with a set piece, but their header missed the mark.
In the 34th minute, Maswanganyi curled just wide as the Pirates maintained their hold on the game. Goalie Sipho Chaine sprinted off his line to clear the danger as Polokwane almost responded two minutes later when Bonginkosi Dlamini pounced on a loose ball. Chaine had to make another deft save just before the half due to a low free kick from Manuel Kambala.
Evidence Makgopa rattled the upright from point-blank range shortly before the hour mark, while Appolis continued testing Bwire after the break. A brilliant stop by Bwire prevented substitute Yanela Mbuthuma from extending the lead with a curling strike. Maswanganyi’s close-range attempt was blocked in the 70th minute by the Polokwane goalie, who once again made an incredible stop to disappoint the home team.
Appolis nearly gave his old team a retribution in the 74th minute, but his attempt from within the box was blocked. Maswanganyi lost control in stoppage time during a good counterattack, but the Pirates still failed to score a second goal despite multiple late opportunities.
Now that they are still winning, the Soweto giants will focus on playing on the continent. This Saturday, they will host Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League in an attempt to overcome a three-goal deficit.
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