Cape Town City earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership at DHL Stadium on Wednesday, delivering the Buccaneers their first league defeat of the season.
The win marks the Citizens’ second consecutive triumph following their identical 1-0 success against Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates entered the match riding high on confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Stade D’Abidjan in the CAF Champions League.
Similarly, Cape Town City was buoyed by their recent victory over Chiefs, setting the stage for an intense clash.
The game opened with both sides showing attacking intent.
Pirates came close to taking an early lead when Kabelo Dlamini unleashed a powerful strike, but Darren Keet made an outstanding save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar to deny the visitors.
As the first half progressed, Cape Town City adjusted their tactics, retreating into a more defensive shape to withstand Pirates’ pressure.
Darwin Gonzalez had a promising opportunity to break the deadlock but was thwarted by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s quick intervention.
The second half saw Cape Town City make tactical substitutions, bringing on Jaeden Rhodes and Thabo Nodada to add energy to their midfield.
Pirates, determined to capitalize on their dominance, were awarded a penalty after Tito Maswanganyi was brought down in the box.
However, Maswanganyi failed to convert, his effort ricocheting off the post.
The missed opportunity proved costly for the Buccaneers.
In the 75th minute, Darwin Gonzalez capitalized on a deflected cross, slotting the ball past Chaine to give Cape Town City the decisive lead.
Following the goal, the home side adopted a resolute defensive strategy, fending off repeated attacks from Pirates and launching occasional counterattacks.
Darren Keet’s performance between the posts was instrumental in securing the victory.
The goalkeeper produced several crucial saves, frustrating Pirates and ensuring the three points stayed with Cape Town City.
The win underscores Cape Town City’s growing strength, having now defeated both Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, in consecutive matches.
For the Buccaneers, the loss is a setback in their domestic campaign, though their focus now shifts back to continental competition.
This result cements Cape Town City’s reputation as a formidable side in the league, while Pirates are left to regroup and address the missed opportunities that cost them dearly in this encounter.
