Orlando Pirates’ hopes of competing with Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title suffered another setback following a 2-0 loss to Marumo Gallants.
On a challenging night that underscored their struggles, Pirates suffered their fourth defeat of the season, widening the gap to league leaders Sundowns to 18 points, though they still had four games in hand to close the distance.
The match took a sharp turn early on when former Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango, now 31, haunted his old club by curling in a stunning free kick in the 15th minute. His celebration was subdued, but the damage was done.
As the game wore on, the Pirates pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but their woes deepened in the 74th minute. In a cruel twist of fate, midfielder Thalente Mbatha misjudged a cross and inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, doubling the deficit.
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine did his best to keep the scoreline respectable, pulling off several crucial saves, but his efforts weren’t enough to spark a comeback. Try as they might, the Pirates couldn’t break through, leaving them to reflect on yet another setback in a season slipping away.
This defeat was particularly disappointing given their dominant 8-1 victory over Gallants in the first-round fixture. Pirates have now lost to Stellenbosch FC, Cape Town City, and Sundowns this season.
While Pirates stumbled, Sundowns continued their dominant form, edging Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at Lucas Maripe Stadium. Lucas Ribeiro’s goal sealed the win, maintaining their impressive second-round run, where they have netted 16 goals in five matches, winning four of them.
Gallants’ crucial victory lifts them above Royal AM (8 points), Magesi FC (17), and Richards Bay (17), boosting their survival hopes with 11 matches remaining.
Under newly appointed Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who replaced Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela, Gallants looked revitalised.
Orlando Pirates must regroup quickly, with a league clash against Chippa United in Gqeberha on Wednesday, followed by a Nedbank Cup quarter-final against SuperSport United in Polokwane on Saturday.
This loss was particularly disheartening for the Pirates, especially after their commanding 8-1 triumph over Gallants in the first-round encounter. So far this season, they have suffered defeats against Stellenbosch FC, Cape Town City, and Sundowns.
While the Pirates faltered, Sundowns maintained their dominant form with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Maripe Stadium. Lucas Ribeiro’s decisive goal secured the win, extending their impressive second-round run, during which they have scored 16 goals in five matches and won four of them.
Gallants’ crucial win propels them above Royal AM (8 points), Magesi FC (17), and Richards Bay (17), significantly boosting their survival hopes with 11 matches remaining.
Under the guidance of newly appointed Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who replaced Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela, Gallants appeared revitalized.
Orlando Pirates must regroup swiftly as they face Chippa United in a league clash in Gqeberha on Wednesday, followed by a Nedbank Cup quarter-final showdown against SuperSport United in Polokwane on Saturday.