Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in the DStv Premiership after coming from behind to beat Marumo Gallants 2-1 on Monday evening.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Marumo Gallants
Date: 20 December 2021
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates made only one enforced change from the heavy defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns, as Happy Jele returned in place of the injured Olisa Ndah while Gallants gave former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase his first start.
Dan Malesela's charges were knocking the ball around with confidence in the opening exchanges and they took the lead in the 12th minute after Ntshangase's curling cross bounced away from goalkeeper Siyabonga towards the far post.
The Buccaneers were getting into the game after that and Kwame Peprah levelled matters in the 24th minute with a low strike across goal after a through ball by Thembinkosi Lorch.
Peprah quickly made it 2-1 for Pirates two minutes later with a first-time strike unmarked in the box after a low cross by Lorch.
Malesela raised eyebrows with a double change eight minutes before the half-time as he pulled off Ntshangase and brought on Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Mpho Mvelase was replaced by Mahlatse Makhudubela, both for fresh ideas in midfield, as the visitors remained 2-1 down at halftime.
Check out the action from Pirates' loss to Sundowns!
Pirates were threatening to get a two-goal cushion early in the second stanza as Peprah came close to completing his hat-trick with a thumping effort that produced a reflex save from goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
Gallants were coming to life in the closing stages, threatening to find the equaliser especially after the introduction of Lerato Lamola and Thabo Mnyamane.
However, Pirates late substitute Terrence Dzvukamanja came close to putting the game to bed three minutes before time with a header that was cleared off the line but the Soweto giants held on to return to winning ways.
Here's how they started:
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 4. Jele, 5. Nyauza, 26. Shandu, 29. Mako, 6. Motshwari, 20. Mosele, 28. Makhubela, 3. Lorch, 11. Hotto, 46. Peprah.
Subs: 30. Sandilands, 42. Mabaso, 37. Dzvukamanja, 23. Maela, 19. Sam, 17. Jooste, 15. Makaringe, 9. Mabasa, 7. Mhango.
Gallants: 36. Arubi, 2. Nkili, 13. Kgoetyane, 5. Mabotja, 18. Nonyane, 6. Timm, 26. Ntshangase.33. Dion, 11. Otladisa, 10. Ngema, 24. Mvelase.
Subs: 16. Ndlovu, 23. Mnyamane, 14. Lamola, 20. Ndlondlo, 32. Makudubela, 3. Manaka, 19. Ravhuhali, 30. Kumalo, 29. Gumede.
