Orlando Pirates fight back to beat CT City

Orlando Pirates fought back to defeat Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership clash on Saturday, 22 April at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Terrence Dzvukamanja and Monnapule Saleng scored in each half for the Sea Robbers, whilst Khanyisa Mayo was on target Ct City.

The victory saw Pirates move to second place on the log with 46 points. They are now three points above SuperSport United and five ahead of Kaizer Chiefs in the fight for the CAF Champions League spot.

In the previous meeting that was played in January 2023 at the Cape Town Stadium, CT City came from a goal down to win 2-1.

FEW CHANGES IN THE STARTING LINE-UPS

Both teams didn’t make drastic changes to their line-ups as they only made two changes each from their last matches respectively.

For the Soweto giants, Sandile Mthethwa and Deon Hotto came in for Tapelo Xoki and Thembinkosi Lorch. On the other hand, for the Capetonians skipper Thamsanqa Mkhize replaced Keanu Cupido after one match suspension and Taahir Goedeman came in for Thabo Nodada.

ACTION PACKED FIRST HALF

The Bucs were first to threaten at goal. Captain Innocent Maela’s headed effort hit the side netting in the ninth minute. 15 minutes into the encounter, Monnapule Saleng connected with Paseka Mako’s pass however his shot was well dealt with by City goalie Darren Keet.

Three minutes later, the visitors broke the deadlock through Khanyisa Mayo scoring his ninth goal of the campaign.

Pirates tried to get an immediate response, through Saleng and Kabelo Dlamini but their efforts couldn’t hit the target.

In-form Terrence Dzvukamanja then levelled matters in the 27th minute for the home side. In the 64th minute, Dzvukamanja had another opportunity to bag his second however his shot was blocked by City defenders,

Substitute Kermit Erasmus forced Darren Keet to a brilliant save following a close-range shot. Saleng then hit the back of the net to take Pirates ahead in the 76th minute thanks to a beautiful pass by Nkosinathi Sibisi.

ROYAL AM AND TS GALAXY SHARE SPOILS

In another match, Royal AM and TS Galaxy played out to a draw 1-1 at Mbombela Stadium.

Elias Pelembe opened the scoring as early as two minutes into the game. The hosts scored in the stoppage time through Yaimil Medina to salvage a point.

The stalemate saw the KZN side remain seventh on the log whilst The Rockets are 10th.

STELLENBOSCH THRASH SWALLOWS

Stellenbosch FC returned to winning ways on Saturday after thrashing struggling Swallows FC 3-0 at Danie Craven Stadium.

Red-hot striker Iqraam Rayners scored a brace, taking his tally in the league to seven goals. Another goal was scored by Ibraheem Jabaar.

The victory lifted the Stellies to sixth, whilst relegation threatened Dube Birds remained 14th.

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