Saturday evening’s DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium was decided by a comfortable 2-0 score thanks to two goals scored in the first half.
After two consecutive games on the road, the Buccaneers were trying to rebound from their most recent defeat.
Richard Ofori was quickly called upon by the guests to stop a dangerous attack involving Bernard Parker and Lifa Hlongwane.
Six minutes into the match, despite Galaxy’s early initiative, the game’s first goal was scored by Zakhele Lepasa when he skinned Tshegofatso Nyama along the left wing. His right-footed drive took a tiny deflection on its way into the net.
Galaxy defender Given Msimango had an opportunity to equalize shortly after when the visitors were awarded a free-kick deep within Bucs territory, but his header inside the box sailed just wide of the goal.
At the opposite end, Tapelo Xoki was on the receiving end of a baiting pass from Kabelo Dlamini before hitting his header into the side netting.
Lepasa stepped up just outside the box and chipped the ball over the head of Melusi Buthelezi to extend his team’s advantage in the 37th minute as the Buccaneers dominated possession for the majority of the opening half.
In retaliation, the Mpumalanga-based team had opportunities to equalize, primarily via set-pieces, but the Buccaneers’ defense held firm despite the danger.
The Rockets had the brighter start to the second quarter after coming from the tunnel, causing a few problems for the home team but failing to create many clear-cut opportunities.
A chance presented itself to the Buccaneers with just fifteen minutes remaining when Deon Hotto put in Paseka Mako, who then blasted his shot high and wide.
Bienvenu Eva Nga was only a split-second late to the ball after being sent in by Dlamini on a late free-kick for Pirates, but that did not impact the outcome as the Soweto Giants earned a second consecutive league victory over Galaxy to climb to the top of the standings.
Pirates XI: Ofori, Xoki, Sibisi (Ndah 67′), Maela, Monare (Motshwari 67′), Timm, Shandu (Mako 73′), Hotto, Dlamini, Makaringe, Lepasa.