Orlando Pirates proved too strong for Royal AM after registering a 4-0 win in DStv Premiership action on Sunday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Royal AM 0-4 Orlando Pirates
Date: 28 April 2024
Venue: Harry Gwala Stadium
Pirates made four changes from their win over AmaZulu, three enforced due to suspensions, as goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, Innocent Maela, Thalente Mbatha and Monnapule Saleng were recalled.
The Buccaneers were all over Royal AM in the opening exchanges and after 12 minutes, Thabiso Lebitso had a chance from a rebound in the box but his shot lacked power and was saved by goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.
The Soweto giants had an injury blow moments later after Lebitso could not continue and he was replaced by Thabiso Monyane.
Pirates' pressure paid off around the half-hour mark after they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Patrick Maswanganyi, although the contact was seemingly made outside of the box. Nevertheless, Maswanganyi stepped up himself and converted for the opening goal.
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Jose Riveiro's charges remained on the front foot and moments before the interval, Saleng came close to doubling their lead with a volley that caught Mpoto out of his area but his effort sailed slightly over the crossbar.
Thwihli Thwahla, however, almost levelled matters on the stroke of halftime from a set-piece after Sedwyn George had a shot from the edge of the box that was tipped into the crossbar by Buthelezi.
The sides struggled to create chances early in the second stanza but as the game opened up around the hour-mark, Pirates doubled their lead courtesy of a strike by Mbatha, after a through ball by Maswanganyi.
The Buccaneers gained more confidence on the ball and on 73 minutes, Relebohile Mofokeng eventually killed the game with a composed low finish after he was left unmarked in the box.
Royal AM had no resistance in the closing stages as late substitute Kabelo Dlamini made it 4-0 for Pirates with a strike from range.
Riveiro's men reduced the deficit behind second-placed Stellenbosch to three points in third spot on the log.
Here's how they lined up:
Royal AM: 25. Mpoto, 14. Matlaba, 31. Jiyane, 28. Mabuza, 15. Shezi, 2. Msomi, 26. Magaqa, 12. Mahlasela, 48. Maxwele, 23. Ndlovu, 45. George
Subs: 16. Nyame, 13. Manganyi, 6. Kobedi, 5. Dlamini, 50. Masuku, 77. Cele, 34. Thikazi, 9. Macuphu, 33. Sera
Orlando Pirates: 35. Buthelezi, 23. Maela, 36. Sesane, 27. Xoki, 37. Lebitso, 16. Makhaula, 41. Mbatha, 38. Mofokeng, 28. Maswanganyi, 14. Saleng, 19. Mabasa
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 39. Mthethwa, 30. Balonii, 25. Kimvuidi, 21. Kapinga, 18. Dlamini, 17. Makgopa, 15. Ndlondlo, 2. Monyane
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