Moremi strikes as Orlando Pirates beat Durban City to close gap

Orlando Pirates moved to within four points of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-0 win over Durban City on Thursday night.

Lebone Seema opened the scoring in the 57th minute, heading in from Kabelo Kgositsile’s corner, before Tshepang Moremi added a second in the 69th minute. The result gave Pirates their fifth clean sheet in six league matches.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou brought captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Ndaba and Moremi back into the side after their involvement in the CAF Champions League at the weekend. Gamphani Lungu was not included because he was not fit.

Durban City had the first clear opportunity inside five minutes. Tylo Sanger won possession high up the pitch and raced through on goal, but Sipho Chaine produced an excellent save to keep out the winger’s one-on-one effort.

City then adopted a cautious approach, starting with five defenders and retreating deep to frustrate the hosts. It was a tactic they had used in the corresponding fixture towards the end of last season.

The plan was effective during the first half, with Pirates largely limited to attempts from outside the penalty area. None of those efforts seriously tested City goalkeeper Fredrick Asare.

Chaine was the busier goalkeeper, however, and made another important intervention just before half-time. He denied Jean Lwamba after the City forward had been played through by a superb pass over the top from Kyle Jurgens.

Pirates finally broke the deadlock three minutes before the hour. Seema escaped his marker to meet Kgositsile’s delivery and powered a header past Asare, who had no chance of making the save.

The hosts doubled their advantage when Masilela drove forward down the left before setting up Moremi. The forward finished first time into the far corner to score his third league goal of the campaign. The match scoring summary lists the goal at 69 minutes, while the match report records it as 68 minutes.

Ouaddou made three changes during the final 20 minutes, sending on Sebastian Pedersen, Simpihwe Selepe and Oswin Appollis for Mbuthuma, Kgositsile and Mthetheleli Mthiyane.

Pirates could not extend their lead, but City’s failure to score ensured the hosts strengthened their position near the top of the table.

Orlando Pirates line-up

Sipho Chaine; Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Thabiso Ndaba, Thabiso Sebelebele, Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Masilela, Kabelo Kgositsile, Tshepang Moremi, Mbuthuma.

Substitutes: Dladla, Zulu, Rapoo, Selepe, Nemtajela, Mabuza, Padime, Appollis, Pedersen.

Durban City line-up

Fredrick Asare; Msomi, Mokone, Ncanana, Shandu, Gcaba, Tylo Sanger, Poggenpoel, Sirino, Kyle Jurgens, Jean Lwamba.

Substitutes: Dreyer, Maseko, Brooks, Papier, Domingo, Green, Morris, Mthembu, Nodada.