Orlando Pirates were subjected to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants at Free State Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of goals from ex-Bucs player Gabadinho Mhango and a Thalente Mbatha own goal.

With the defeat, the title-chasing Soweto giants are 18 points behind runaway log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who claimed a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs earlier in the day. Bucs are four games behind the defending champions.

The Buccaneers have now lost two of their last five games in the Betway Premiership, with the losses coming against Sundowns in a 4-1 thumping and this shock loss to struggling Gallants led by newly appointed coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The Buccaneers threatened to draw first blood in the seventh minute after a quick one-two between in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng, but the youngster’s shot was intercepted by Sibusiso Ncube for a corner.

The hosts were forced into an early change after veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi was forced off due to an injury for back-up shot-stopper Kagiso Mlambo in the 18th minute, which threw Gallants’ plans out of the window.

Former Pirates talisman Mhango haunted his ex-team with the opening goal in the 15th minute, pouncing from Sekela Sithole’s free kick. The Buccaneers’ goal minder Sipho Chaine is set to miss the next match against Chippa United after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season.

The visitors came close to leveling matters from a set piece on the stroke of half time but Mabasa’s header across the face of goal was not met by anyone wearing a black shirt as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa took their one goal cushion into the break.

Jose Riveiro’s men made their intentions clear early in the second half with quick passing in Gallants’ vulnerable areas, however, substitute goalkeeper Mlambo was equal to Mofokeng’s snapshot in the 51st minute.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s charges came close to doubling the lead close to the half hour mark, but Daniel Msendami squandered the opportunity as he failed to beat Chaine in the Bucs goal in a one-on-one situation. 

Pirates introduced Mohau Nkota for Bandile Shandu in search of a response. Midfielder Mbatha provided the deadly blow for Riveiro’s team in the 74th minute, with the Spanish mentor absent from the dugout due to a suspension. The 24-year-old player conceded an own goal which confirmed the three points remain in Free State.