Athlone Freeze, Pirates Fire! Buccaneers Outclass Stellies To Keep Pressure On Sundowns
Orlando Pirates maintained intense pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race, defeating Stellenbosch 2-0 at a freezing, sold-out Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night.
First-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi secured all three points for the Buccaneers, who sit second on the table with 62 points from 27 matches.
Much like Arsenal in the English Premier League, Sundowns still control their own destiny and will retain their crown if they win their remaining games.
A capacity crowd braved the icy Cape Town weather, filling the venue a day after the match was declared a sell-out. High-profile dignitaries, including Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, were in attendance to witness the blockbuster clash.
This was the third meeting between the sides this season, with Pirates completing a clean sweep. In the reverse fixture at Orlando Amstel Arena, Kamogelo Sebelebele’s stunning long-range strike decided the tie, while the Soweto giants also triumphed 3-0 in extra time during September’s MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium.
Pirates started on the front foot on Tuesday, with Oswin Appollis and Maswanganyi testing the Stellenbosch defense early on. Stellies nearly gifted the visitors an opener when Godswill Enyinnaya’s pressured headed back-pass forced an unorthodox, desperate save from goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Stellenbosch suffered an early blow when Thapelo Mokobodi was stretchered off with an injury, forcing Gavin Hunt to introduce Wonderboy Makhubu to lead the line.
Pirates’ relentless pressure finally told in the 42nd minute. Maswanganyi floated a precise free-kick into the box, and Makgopa—preferred in the starting lineup over Yanela Mbuthuma—beat Stephens with a powerful header.
On the stroke of half-time, the Buccaneers doubled their lead. Maswanganyi dropped deep and lofted a cross into the penalty area. Makgopa clashed in the air with the oncoming Stephens, and the ball sailed directly into the net without another touch, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
Looking to spark a comeback or stem the tide, Gavin Hunt made a double change at halftime, introducing Ashley Cupido and Vuyolwethu Andrieas for Langelihle Phili and Mthetheleli Mthiyane.
The adjustments paid off as Stellenbosch seized control of the midfield, blunting Pirates’ dominance. The hosts grew in ascendancy and came agonizingly close to pulling one back when Genino Palace, making his 100th appearance for the club, rattled the upright with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine well beaten.
Mbuthuma also went close late on, firing a right-footed effort just wide, while Pirates’ Camren Dansin saw his own spectacular strike strike the woodwork at the other end.
Ultimately, the first-half damage was enough. Backed by their vocal traveling support, the Buccaneers safely navigated the second half to pocket three invaluable points. The relentless title race between Sundowns and Pirates continues unabated; neither side can afford to flinch.
