Orlando Pirates have reduced the gap between themselves and Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after recording a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday night.
The Buccaneers returned to domestic league action after their CAF Champions League commitments and needed a victory to keep pace with Sundowns, who had opened up a significant lead at the top of the table.
Pirates went into the match sitting second on 13 points from five league matches, while Sundowns had collected 20 points from eight games. The victory moved the defending champions to 16 points, leaving them four points behind the Brazilians, while Pirates still have two matches in hand.
The Soweto giants, however, had to work hard for the three points as Durban City proved to be a stubborn opponent.
The first half ended goalless, despite both sides having moments in front of goal.
Pirates started positively and created opportunities through their attacking players, with Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi among those threatening the Durban City defence.
The visitors also showed that they were not at Orlando Stadium simply to defend, with their pressing game causing problems for the hosts.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval, leaving Pirates with plenty of work to do in the second half.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 57th minute.
Lebone Seema put Pirates ahead after connecting with a pass from Kabelo Kgosietsile, giving the home side the advantage they had been searching for.
The goal changed the complexion of the match as Durban City were forced to take more risks in search of an equaliser.
Pirates took advantage of the additional space and doubled their lead just 12 minutes later.
Tshepang Moremi found the back of the net in the 69th minute, with Siyabonga Masilela providing the assist to put the Buccaneers firmly in control.
For Moremi, the goal was particularly significant as he had been left out of the latest Bafana Bafana squad announced on Thursday, and his performance provided a timely reminder of his attacking quality.
Durban City tried to respond, but Pirates’ defence remained organised and prevented the visitors from finding a way back into the contest.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Pirates and extended their unbeaten start to the league campaign. It was also their fourth consecutive league victory over Durban City, according to SuperSport.
The result strengthens Pirates’ position in the early title race while their two games in hand remain an important feature of the standings.
For Durban City, the defeat brought an end to their hopes of taking anything from their trip to Soweto despite a competitive first-half display.
Pirates will now turn their attention to their next league assignment knowing that further victories in their outstanding matches could bring them even closer to Sundowns at the summit.