Orlando Pirates' winning run in the DStv Premiership came to an end after losing 3-1 to SuperSport United on Saturday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: SuperSport United 3-1 Orlando Pirates
Date: 23 December 2023
Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium
Pirates made two changes following their win over Golden Arrows, as they recalled Thembinkosi Lorch and Tapelo Xoki while United forward Terrence Dzvukamanja started against his former side from the bench.
The Buccaneers had a perfect start after Fortune Makaringe gave them the lead in the first four minutes with a finish unmarked at the back post after a cross by Deon Hotto.
Jose Riveiro's charges continued to enjoy a good spell of possession and Karim Kimvuidi almost doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour mark with a first-time curled that missed narrowly wide from an off-load by Lorch.
SuperSport looked for chances on counter-attacks and eventually Shandre Campbell levelled ten minutes before the interval with a clinical shot on the blindside after a through ball by Grant Margeman.
Pirates looked to get going again towards the end of the first stanza but United were organised, with all the players behind the ball, as the sides went to break level pegging.
Gavin Hunt's charges showed more determination coming from the break and Bradley Grobler eventually put them ahead ten minutes later with a header from a corner by Campbell.
Pirates needed a spark going forward and Jose Riveiro reacted on 64 minutes with a double change, as Zakhele Lepasa and Relebohile Mofokeng both came on for Evidence Makgopa and Katlego Otladisa for fresh legs.
The changes had an immediate impact, as Lepasa had a big chance moments later for the Buccaneers after going through on goal from a ricochet but his scuffed shot was cleared off the line.
As the Soweto giants committed numbers going forward, goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi made an error 16 minutes before time after he was dispossessed by Campbell trying to play from the back and the 18-year-old went clear, scored into an empty to make it 3-1 and completed his brace.
The visitors were fired up to get back into the game in the dying minutes and Lepasa had a big chance after breaking through on goal but his shot was parried away shot-stopper Ricardo Goss, as the hosts held on for maximum points.
Here's how they lined up:
SuperSport United: 20. Goss, 27. Johannes, 13. Okon, 23. Margeman, 42. Baloyi, 38. Moralo, 8. Ndlovu, 12. Lakay, 21. Campbell, 17. Lungu, 7. Grobler
Subs: 32. Arubi, 18. Hamza, 11. Dzvukamanja, 15. Pfumbidzai, 9. Ighodaro, 36. Matodzi, 6. Nange, 35. Rasebotja, 37. Mfolozi
Orlando Pirates: 35. Buthelezi, 27. Xoki, 49. Ndah, 11. Hotto, 4. Timm, 15. Ndlondlo, 3. Lorch, 12. Otladisa, 11. Makaringe, 25. Kimvuidi, 17. Makgopa.
Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 5. Sibisi, 16. Makhaula, 30. Baloni, 38. Mofokeng, 18. Dlamini, 14. Saleng, 9. Lepasa, 23. Maela
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