Orlando Pirates secured the bragging rights in another Soweto Derby after defeating Moroka Swallows 2-0 at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 2-0 Moroka Swallows
Date: 05 December 2023
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates were unchanged from their goalless draw against Richards Bay, as Relebohile Mofokeng, Vincent Pule and Patrick Maswanganyi supported Evidence Makgopa upfront.
The hosts had a quick start and almost went ahead within four minutes after Makgopa's close-range shot at the near post was saved by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The Buccaneers continued to threaten and thought they were 1-0 up three minutes later after a lovely chip by Makgopa over Akpeyi found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Swallows settled better in the game after that and although they were playing far from Pirates goals, Gabadinho Mhango had a chance on 24 minutes with a cracking shot from outside the box that dragged wide.
The Birds played a high line and were punished six minutes before the interval after Makgaka finally gave Pirates the lead with a strike past Akpeyi in the box after he was teed up by Pule through on goal.
Swallows were fired up from the break but they lacked numbers in attack and could not test Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
The Sea Robbers were happy to absorb the pressure and look for chances on counter-attacks and with 20 minutes to go, they made a double attacking change as Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa both replaced Pule and Makgopa.
The fresh legs made an immediate impact for the Buccaneers, as they got a two-goal cushion after Saleng burst his way in the box and his cross deflected off Sipho Sibiya and found the back of the net, in off the post.
Jose Riveiro's charges were in control of the game in the closing stages and the result was not in doubt, as they secured their third win in four games.
Pirates leapfrogged both Kaizer Chiefs and Swallows up to sixth on the table with 19 points.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 35. Buthelezi, 27. Xoki, 49. Ndah, 7. Hotto, 4. Timm, 15. Ndlondlo, 28. Maswanganyi, 45. Pule, 15. Makaringe, 38. Mofokeng, 17. Makgopa
Subs: 31. Ofori, 5. Sibisi, 36. Sesane, 30. Baloni, 14. Saleng, 25. Kimvuidi, 18. Dlamini, 95. Erasmus.
Moroka Swallows: 16. Akpeyi, 19. Tshanini, 27. Phillips, 4. Allan, 24. V.Sibiya, 6. Mthethwa, 7. Patjie, 42. Zuma, 11. Mhango, 10. Mtshali, 26. Malinga
Subs: 31. Mbanjwa, 2. S.Sibiya, 25. Maponya, 23. Shwabule, 17. Rampa, 14. Khumalo, 12. Van Rhyn, 35. Mangweni, 5. Letlabika
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