Orlando Pirates cut Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead with win over Marumo Gallants

Orlando Pirates reduced Mamelodi Sundowns’ advantage at the top of the Betway Premiership with a 2-0 victory against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kabelo Kgositsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi scored the goals as the visitors secured all three points.

Both sides made a measured start, with neither able to create a clear opening during the first 10 minutes. Gallants went closest to taking the lead in the 12th minute when Thapelo Mokobodi sent a free-kick from just outside the penalty area narrowly over the crossbar.

Pirates gradually began to impose themselves on the match. The Buccaneers had more of the ball and found more opportunities to advance into the final third, although the contest produced little sustained goal-mouth action.

The visitors’ pressure finally brought a reward in the 32nd minute. Mokobodi delivered a clever chipped pass, which picked out Kgositsile, and the forward finished to put Orlando Pirates ahead.

Marumo Gallants, managed by Abdeslam Ouaddou, went into half-time trailing 1-0.

The home side responded with greater attacking intent after the interval. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa produced several promising moves as they searched for an equaliser, but they were unable to turn their possession in dangerous areas into a decisive chance.

Pirates gradually re-established control as the second half developed, limiting the space available to Gallants and disrupting the home team’s attempts to build attacks from deep.

The match became more evenly contested just beyond the hour mark, with clear chances still difficult to find at either end. The intensity dipped, but Pirates remained the more assured side in possession.

They extended their lead in the 73rd minute when Sibisi scored for Ezimnyama Ngenkani. The second goal placed Orlando Pirates in a commanding position and left Gallants facing an increasingly difficult task to recover.

Pirates managed the closing stages effectively, protecting their advantage with a disciplined defensive display. Marumo Gallants could not find a way back into the game, allowing the visitors to complete a 2-0 win and close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership standings.