Orlando Pirates move within one point of Sundowns after Marumo Gallants win

Orlando Pirates trimmed Mamelodi Sundowns’ lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to one point with a 2-0 victory over struggling Marumo Gallants on Sunday.

Kabelo Kgositsile put the defending champions ahead before captain Nkosinathi Sibisi added a second goal in the closing stages at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

The result extended Pirates’ unbeaten run and means they will enter the international break just behind Sundowns in the title race.

Betway Premiership

Marumo Gallants 0-2 Orlando Pirates

Scorers: Kgositsile 32’, Sibisi 74’

Pirates manager Abdeslam Ouaddou made one change to the team that defeated Durban City on Thursday evening. Simphiwe Selepe came into the starting XI, with Mthetheleli Mthiyane dropping to the bench.

The visitors made the more positive start, with Tshepang Moremi causing problems for the Gallants defence. Mokobodi also went close inside the opening 15 minutes when his curling free-kick narrowly failed to produce the breakthrough.

Pirates created their first clear effort on target in the 26th minute. Masilela worked space before finding Kgositsile, who fashioned an opening and struck powerfully, but Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Emile Lako held firm.

Kgositsile was not to be denied for long, however. Six minutes later, he found the net for his first league goal of the campaign to give Pirates a deserved advantage.

Marumo Gallants responded by making a change at half-time, bringing on Nelson Ralenkoane for Mlungisi Sikakane. The substitution did little to alter the pattern of the match, with Pirates continuing to circulate possession comfortably.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark. Mokobodi created room outside the penalty area and unleashed a shot, but Lako again made the save to keep Gallants within reach of an equaliser.

Pirates eventually secured the points with 16 minutes remaining. Sibisi escaped his marker at a corner and headed home to open his league account for the campaign.

That strike ended any hopes of a Marumo Gallants comeback and confirmed a comfortable win for the league champions.

Orlando Pirates’ victory leaves them one point behind Mamelodi Sundowns as the Betway Premiership pauses for the international break.