Orlando Pirates claimed a dramatic 2-1 win in their Betway Premiership opening fixture against Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
With this victory, the Buccaneers record their 400th win in the all-time Premier Soccer League
table (since 1996). The hosts came from a goal down to snatch all three points, sealing a victorious start to their 2024/25 league campaign.
The two sides produced an eventful first 45 minutes, with the hosts quick to control possession shortly after the first whistle. They were however unable to make the most of their early dominance as they failed to threaten the visitors’ goal throughout the opening 15 minutes.
Pirates’ first real sight at goal came through a set piece when Relebohile Mofokeng’s ball from a corner kick located defender Olisa Ndah, whose looping header fell well off target. Against the run of play, Chippa took full advantage of a rare foray into Bucs territory, edging ahead in the 22nd minute through midfielder Andile Jali who pounced on a loose ball outside the box to fire into the back of the net.
The hosts were spurred into action by the goal, but continued to stutter inside the attacking third as clear chances remained elusive. This was until the 35th minute when nervy defending from the visitors allowed Monnapule Saleng in with a chance as he pushed into the box, only to be denied by Stanley Nwabali.
Ex-Bucs striker Bienvenu Eva Nga nearly made it 2-0 to the Chilli Boys with a powerful volley from outside the box, but Sipho Chaine was alert to the danger as he dropped low to his left to make a save. The real game-changing moment occurred at the other end where Saleng was fouled inside the opposition box, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Tshegofatso Mabasa stepped up to take the spot kick and made no mistake as he got off the
mark in the league with a well-taken penalty to draw Pirates level at the stroke of halftime. Looking to grab the early advantage in the second half, the Soweto Giants came close through Mofokeng who was freed up on the left but could not find a way past Nwabali.
They also had their fair share of defending to do as Chaine denied defender Thabo Makhele from
close range, while Deano Van Rooyen made a few stops of his own to thwart Xolani Sithole and Eva Nga. With full-time approaching Maswanganyi chanced his arm with an audacious attempt from a tight angle, but the Chilli Boys’ shot-stopper had it covered.
It appeared as if the two sides would share the spoils as injury time arrived with things still level, but Saleng had the final say as he headed in past Nwabali after meeting a fine cross from Deon Hotto. The decisive strike came at the perfect moment for the hosts, who only had to see out a few more seconds to secure maximum points in their season opener.
