Orlando Pirates ended their DStv Premiership season with a 2-0 loss to SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday night, putting an end to their 2021/22 campaign.
The outcome, which ended the current season, continued a recent trend between the two teams, as the visitors were denied victory for the 16th league match in a row, while the Buccaneers were denied a league double after winning the rematch at Orlando Stadium.
Early on in the game, the visitors were the more dominant side in terms of ball possession, controlling the proceedings but failing to make the necessary penetration.
Pirates’ attempts to enter the final third were thwarted by an eager defensive line, which committed the requisite numbers at the back to stop their rushes into the penalty area. This persisted deep into the first quarter of the first half.
The game’s first goal came 20 minutes in, and it was an unfortunate moment for Bucs midfielder Fortune Makaringe, who misjudged a corner clearance and sent the ball into his own net, giving the home side the lead.
Lorch’s attempt from right inside the box was deflected out of play a minute after the opener, giving the Pirates a chance to draw level.
United attempted to go two-up through Talenthe Mbatha, who collected a rebound from an attempted clearance off the head of Happy Jele before forcing a brilliant save off Richard Ofori in the 33rd minute.
Pirates’ best shot at goal in the first half came when Thembinkosi Lorch’s searching ball into the penalty area arrived a split-second too early for Deon Hotto, who could not turn the ball into the net with a sliding effort.
It continued to be a fruitless evening in front of goal for the visitors, who met a resolute wall in defence from the men in blue.
Things went from bad to worse when they were reduced to ten men, with Captain Happy Jele given his marching orders after a clash with Thamsanqa Gabuza inside the Pirates penalty area 66 minutes in.
Gamphani Lungu had to take two chances from the penalty spot after being denied by Ofori, but he made no mistake when the referee ordered a retake after determining that the Ghanaian shot-stopper had infringed in blocking the spot-kick.
Kwame Peprah came near in the 75th minute, rising high to head a cross into the box towards goal, but his shot went wide.
Five minutes later, Thapelo Maseko forced a fantastic save from Ofori, and the Buccaneers’ late attempts were not enough to inspire a comeback, and they were relegated to fifth place in the standings.
Pirates XOfori, Nyauza, Jele, Ndah, Shandu, Mosele, Makaringe (Dzvukamanja 62’), Dlamini (Makhubela 70’), Lorch, Hotto, Peprah (Mabasa 80’).