Orlando Pirates ended the year with a 3-2 defeat to Stellenbosch in a thrilling DStv Premiership clash on Friday night.
DStv Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 2-3 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 29 December 2023
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates made only change after their defeat against SuperSport United, as Patrick Maswanganyi returned from suspension and took the place of Katlego Otladisa, with Thembinkosi Lorch, Karim Kimvuidi and Evidence Makgopa completing the attack.
The Buccaneers had a bright start as Makgopa had a big chance within eight minutes after a lofted free-kick in the box and went for a pass instead of taking a shot on a volley unmarked in the box.
The hosts had the momentum and seven minutes later Deon Hotto came very close after going through on an overlap but his cracking low shot missed the bottom corner by a whisker.
Pirates' pressure finally paid off shortly after the hour-mark after Tapelo Xoki converted a spot-kick, a well taken side-footed shot, following a handball by Thabo Moloisane.
Stellenbosch, after absorbing the pressure up to that point, started putting effort going forward and showed promise but could not bring goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi into action, as Jose Riveiro's charges went to the break with a narrow lead.
Stellenbosch came back with more energy from the break and ten minutes later Moloisane had a chance from a cross but guided a free header in the box over the crossbar.
Makgopa eventually doubled their lead on the hour-mark with a back-heeled finish that slipped past the fingers of goalkeeper Sage Stephens from a low cross by Fortune Makaringe.
The Buccaneers slowed down the tempo of their game and were punished with 21 minutes to go as Iqraam Rayners pulled a goal back for Stellies with a strike after a good turn at the back post.
The Soweto giants were still shocked, as Devon Titus levelled matters for the visitors two minutes later with a free header in the box after Antonio van Wyk's initial effort was saved.
Riveiro refreshed and shuffled his attack with a double change 16 minutes before time, as Kabelo Dlamini and Vincent Pule both came on for Kimvuidi and Makgopa.
However, as Pirates were eager to get forward, they were caught on the break 12 minutes before time, as Andre de Jong fired Stellies into the lead with a bouncing volley in the box after a cross by Antonio Van Wyk.
The Buccaneers had the momentum in the dying minutes and Hotto almost snatched the equaliser in stoppage time with a low cracking free-kick that was parried away by Stephens, as Stellies held on for the win.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 35. Buthelezi, 27. Xoki, 49. Ndah, 7. Hotto, 11. Makaringe, 4. Timm, 15. Ndlondlo, 28. Maswanganyi, 3. Lorch, 25. Kimvuidi, 17. Makgopa
Subs:40 Mpontshane, 5. Sibisi, 23. Maela, 20. Baloni, 18. Dlamini, 14. Saleng, 12. Otladisa, 38. Mofokeng, 45. Pule
Stellenbosch: 17. Stephens, 45. Toure, 22. Sibande, 7. Van Rooyen, 8. Nduli, 24. Moloisane, 23. Adams, 5. Matsheke, 14. Oura, 34. Titus, 9. Rayners
Subs: 35. Langeveldt, 26. Mcaba, 33. De Kock, 28. Palace, 20. Sekgota, 18. De Jong, 29. Van Wyk, 19. Boji
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