Deon Hotto scored the winner as Orlando Pirates beat Royal AM 1-0 in Wednesday’s DStv Premiership fixture at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It was a fast start to the game, as both teams looked for an early advantage, but while there was a lot of action in the middle of the park, moves broke down in the final third.
Samuel Manganyi’s looping header in the 19th minute was goal-bound, but Richard Ofori plucked it from the air safely.
Bienvenu Eva Nga tried to turn and shoot in the 28th minute, but the Cameroonian shot just wide.
But Pirates grabbed the lead in style in the 34th minute, Deon Hotto finishing neatly after being set up by Thabiso Monyane’s square ball.
Sedwyn George’s attempt from a set piece in the 38th minute was wide and high, and at the break Hotto’s goal separated the two teams.
Kabelo Dlamini had a chance to make it two in the 51st minute but was unable to take advantage of a poor clearance by Xolani Ngcobo, shooting wide of the goal. Tebogo Potsane’s attempt in the 55th minute was straight at Ofori.
Vincent Pule, who came off the bench, went close in the 59th minute, but Ngcobo was able to get a touch on Pule’s effort and steer it over the goal.
Abongile Tom wasn’t interested in Royal AM’s hopes for a penalty in the 83rd minute, as the hosts pushed hard for an equaliser.
Royal AM had a great chance in the 89th minute but some good last-gasp defending blocked Mokete Mogaila’s attempt in the 89th minute.
Royal AM were reduced to ten men when Shadrack Kobedi was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time, and Pirates were able to hold on for the victory that moves them to fourth on the table.
Meanwhile, it was a second straight defeat for Royal AM, who remain on six points, currently in the sixth spot.
