In-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scored twice as Orlando Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-0 in a DStv Premiership match at DHL Stadium on Wednesday.

The win saw Pirates move to second spot, leapfrogging Stellenbosch on goal difference with 46 points after 26 matches. Stellenbosch have a chance to reclaim second place with a win or draw against Golden Arrows later today, making for an interesting battle for the crucial Champions League qualification spot.

This was Pirates’ first win against City in Cape Town since the club’s formation in 2016. Interestingly, City’s wins over Pirates have all been at home, with no victories at Orlando Stadium. City came into the game without a league win in 2024, which explains their current sixth-place position.

Both teams started the game comfortably on the ball. City suffered a setback when Keanu Cupido, after being tackled by Miguel Timm, had to be replaced by Patrick Fisher in the 27th minute.

The deadlock wasn’t broken until the 58th minute when Mabasa held off his marker before rolling the ball past Darren Keet after a well-weighted pass by Relebohile Mofokeng. This was Mabasa’s 12th goal of the season, putting him just one behind Iqraam Rayners. Pirates deserved the lead, having dominated possession throughout the first half.

City pushed for an equalizer, but Sipho Chaine made a smart save from Khanyisa Mayo’s header. Pirates capitalized on this pressure with a second goal, again from Mabasa. Mofokeng cut back and found the lurking Mabasa inside the box, who put the game away in the 73rd minute, trying with Rayners on 13 goal apiece. Pirates controlled the remainder of the match, keeping City’s defense on their toes.

While Pirates are on the rise, moving to second on goal difference, City’s search for their first league win this year continues. The pressure is mounting on coach Eric Tinkler.