Orlando Pirates are sitting at the top of the Betway Premiership after a 2-0 win over AmaZulu.
The result has put the Buccaneers three points clear of the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in second place.
Orlando Pirates wasted no time stamping their authority on the match, dominating possession inside the opening 15 minutes as AmaZulu dropped deep and focused on defensive organisation.
The Buccaneers moved the ball with purpose, pinning Usuthu in their own half, though clear chances were initially hard to come by.
AmaZulu briefly threatened on the counter following a Pirates corner, but the visitors’ defensive recovery was sharp, showing pace and discipline to regain shape and control. Pirates’ dominance continued, but the AmaZulu backline remained calm under pressure.
The breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute. Relebohile Mofokeng rose sharply inside the six-yard box to meet a perfectly weighted inswinging cross from Tshepang Moremi, guiding a smart header past goalkeeper Darren Johnson to give Pirates a deserved lead.
AmaZulu responded with their first real opening two minutes later. Kegan Allan found space inside the box, but Sipho Chaine was well positioned to make a comfortable save and preserve the advantage.
Pirates kept pushing. On 24 minutes, Deon Hotto tested Johnson from close range, forcing the AmaZulu keeper into an excellent save as wave after wave of Buccaneers attacks continued until the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern. From 45 to 60 minutes, Pirates controlled the tempo, creating chances but failing to fully capitalise, with poor finishing keeping AmaZulu in the contest longer than expected.
As the match entered the final stages, AmaZulu nearly stole an equaliser. In the 84th minute, a brilliantly worked set piece looked destined for the net, but Chaine produced a world-class save to deny the hosts.
Pirates sealed the result deep into stoppage time. In the fifth minute of added time, Mofokeng struck a curling effort from outside the box that hit the post, rebounded off Johnson, and crossed the line — his second of the night.
The victory moves Orlando Pirates three points clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, sending a strong statement in the Betway Premiership title race.