Orlando Pirates missed the chance to move second once again after losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy in their penultimate DStv Premiership clash.
DStv Premiership
Result: TS Galaxy 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Date: 18 May 2024
Venue: Mbombela Stadium
The Buccaneers were without the services of Miguel Timm and defender Thapelo Xoki, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he is set to undergo knee surgery.
The Rockets, meanwhile, gave a start to veteran midfielder Mbatha while Samir Nurkovic maintains his spot on the bench, although the team do have another game against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.
The home side made a lively start to the encounter and nearly went ahead inside the opening ten minute Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine produced a fine save to deny Puso Dithejane.
The Buccaneers started to take control after the early scare, with Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng seeing a lot more of the ball although goalkeeper Ntwari was barely troubled.
That proved to be the trend for the remainder of the first half, as both sides did not want to give anything away at the back.
Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro made a change at the stat of the second half, as Oliseh Ndah made way for Thabiso Sesane as they went in search of the go-ahead goal.
The away side went close to taking the lead after the hour mark when top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa was played through on goal, however the Pirates strike was denied by a good save by Ntwari.
Pirates were made to rue that miss as Galaxy took the lead with just over 20 minutes on the clock Sphiwe Mahlangu bagged his eighth league goal of the season to set up a nervy finish.
The woodwork came to TS Galaxy's rescue in the final ten minutes as Kabelo Dlamini did well to pick out Evidence Makgopa in the box, but the Bafana Bafana striker saw his saw his strike hit the upright.
Here's how they lined up:
TS Galaxy: Ntwari, Sebelebele, M.Mahlangu, Sanoka, Kabini, Mvelase, Mbatha, Dithejane, Khiba, Mojela, S.Mahlangu,
Subs: Kolak, Nurkovic, Seema, Mbunjana, Letsoenyo, Mongae, Semache, Mere,Zwane
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Maela, Sibisi, Ndah, Monyane, Mbatha, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Dlamini, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Sesane, Hotto, Baloni, Ndlondlo, Kapinga, Pule, Otladisa, Makgopa
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