Orlando Pirates have blown the Betway Premiership title race wide open after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium.
The Sea Robbers have cut the gap to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to just two points.
The Buccaneers arrived in Cape Town knowing anything less than three points would nearly hand Sundowns the title.
ORLANDO PIRATES TURN UP THE HEAT IN BETWAY PREMIERSHIP TITLE RACE
Instead, the Sea Robbers delivered with two first half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi.
The result now shifts the pressure squarely onto Sundowns, who square up with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night at 19:30.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Sundowns currently and have four league matches remaining to secure their title defense.
Their run-in begins with a high-profile home clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday, 6 May, followed by another home fixture against Siwelele FC on Saturday, 9 May.
Their final two matches include an away trip to face TS Galaxy on Tuesday, 12 May, and a concluding home game against Polokwane City.
Orlando Pirates are closely chasing the leaders with three games left, starting with the trip to Magesi FC on Saturday, 9 May. They will return home to face Durban City FC on Saturday, 16 May, before ending their season with a final away fixture against Orbit College on Saturday, 23 May