Orlando Pirates cut Sundowns’ lead with victory over Durban City

Orlando Pirates moved to within four points of South African Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after beating Durban City 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday.

Pirates have played two matches fewer than Sundowns and now have 16 points from eight games. The result extended their unbeaten run to six matches, with five wins and one draw.

The fixture was arranged after Pirates’ involvement in back-to-back weekends of first preliminary round qualifiers in the CAF Champions League. It was their third meeting with Durban City this season.

City had proved a difficult opponent for the Soweto club and created the better opportunities during a goalless first half. Pirates appeared to be heading towards another frustrating result before increasing the pressure after the interval.

Simphiwe Selepe, Tshepang Moremi and Kabelo Kgositsile helped raise the tempo in attack, while Yanela Mbuthuma led the line after receiving his latest Bafana Bafana call-up.

The breakthrough came when Lebone Seema rose to power a header into the net from a corner. The goal followed a sustained spell of pressure from Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.

Pirates doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes later. Moremi ran on to a pass from Masilela and finished with his weaker right foot, sending the ball beyond Durban City goalkeeper Frederick Asare.

Asare had been faultless before Pirates opened the scoring, but City struggled to respond after conceding twice in quick succession.

Pirates controlled possession for the remainder of the game and closed out a result that leaves them four points behind Sundowns, who have played eight matches.