Orlando Pirates secured their sixth consecutive win in the DStv Premiership with a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, maintaining their unblemished record and cementing their place at the top of the standings.
Pirates, coming off a string of home victories, entered Mbombela with the clear intent to continue their impressive run.
From the opening whistle, TS Galaxy showed early ambition, with Samukelo Kabini’s fast-paced drive down the wing, which was blocked by Thabiso Monyane.
Galaxy’s Mpho Mvelase attempted the first shot on goal in the eighth minute, but his effort from long range drifted wide.
The Buccaneers, although slow to test TS Galaxy’s Ivorian goalkeeper, Ira Tapé, managed to break through in the 16th minute.
Midfielder Thalente Mbatha unleashed a stunning strike from distance, beating Tapé and putting Pirates in the lead with a beautifully executed goal.
Buoyed by the advantage, Pirates continued to press Galaxy’s defense, launching a series of speculative shots from distance.
Attempts by Mohau Nkota and Deon Hotto narrowly missed the target, while Kabini’s strike for the home side also failed to find the mark as the match approached the half-hour mark.
Before halftime, Mbatha nearly doubled his tally with a volley from just outside the penalty area.
Tapé responded with a superb save, keeping Galaxy in the game and ensuring Pirates went into the break with only a slim one-goal lead.
Galaxy returned for the second half eager to regain control but quickly found themselves under sustained pressure.
Nkota came close to scoring Pirates’ second goal just eight minutes into the half, surging into the penalty area and firing at goal, but Tapé again kept the home side in contention with a solid save.
Meanwhile, Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine, remained vigilant, making a series of routine saves as the Pirates’ backline held firm to protect their lead.
Pirates struck again with a moment of brilliance from Relebohile Mofokeng, who intercepted deep within Galaxy’s half and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner, leaving Tapé with no chance.
Up 2-0, the Soweto Giants dominated possession and controlled the pace of play, despite TS Galaxy’s spirited attempts to find a way back into the match.
Galaxy’s evening went from difficult to dismal when Kamogelo Sebelebele was shown a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Nkosinathi Sibisi, reducing the hosts to ten men for the closing minutes.
The home crowd’s hopes for a late comeback faded as Pirates confidently managed the game to its conclusion, ultimately extending their lead at the top of the standings to six points.
In a night of frustration for TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates proved yet again why they are firm contenders for the title this season.
