Orlando Pirates suffered their first defeat of the Betway Premiership season after losing 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC on Sunday afternoon.
Betway Premiership
Result: Orlando Pirates 0-1 Stellenbosch FC
Date: 01 December 2024
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Pirates kept the same line-up from the win over CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League, as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Patrick Maswanganyi supported lone striker Evidence Makgopa up top.
The Buccaneers had a bright start as within the first two minutes Thabiso Monyane almost opened the scoring with a cross that missed the far post by a whisker.
As the Soweto giants remained on the front foot, moments later Deon Hotto had a chance after he was picked up through on goal by Maswanganyi in the box but his attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Sage Stephens in a one-on-one.
Jose Riveiro's charges lost their momentum somewhat towards the half-hour mark and they were caught on a counter-attack during that period, as Devin Titus beat the offside trap from a through ball by Ashley Cupido and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in a one-on-one.
Pirates had a chance to equalise on the stroke of half-time from an indirect free-kick in the box but Maswanganyi could not convert after a cut-back by Mofokeng.
The Buccaneers took time to get going in the second stanza and only came close to equalising on the hour-mark after Makgopa missed the flight of a pass by Mofokeng unmarked at the near post.
Riveiro's men sprang to life as moments later Kabelo Dlamini was unfortunate not to make it 1-1 with a floating shot that came off the crossbar.
The Spanish coach needed fresh legs up top with 20 minutes to go, as Tshegofatso Mabasa replaced Makgopa.
Pirates were pressurizing Barker's men in the closing stages but Khomotjo Lekoloane almost killed the game with second goal for the visitors on the break after forcing Chaine into a save at the near post.
The Buccaneers ran out of legs in the tail end as they dropped points for the first time and remained second on the log behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 5. Sibisi, 36. Sesane, 2. Monyane, 7. Hotto, 8. Makhaula, 16. Mbatha, 28. Maswanganyi, 38. Mofokeng, 33. Nkota, 17. Makgopa.
Subs: 35. Buthelezi, 23. Maela, 29. Mako, 3. Van Rooyen, 4. Timm, 25. Kimvuidi, 32. Moleleki, 18. Dlamini, 19. Mabasa
Stellenbosch FC: 17. Stephens, 24. Moloisane, 26. Mcaba, 3. Mdaka, 45. Toure, 8. Nduli, 18. De Jong, 15. Butsaka, 28. Palace, 9. Cupido, 34. Titus
Subs: 30. Masuluke, 6. Jurgens, 33. De Kock, 16. Enyinnaya, 20. Barns, 27. Jabaar, 12. Mini, 11. Phili, 5. Lekoloane
