Pirates Crush Arrows, But Sundowns Maintain Lead

Orlando Pirates hammered Golden Arrows 5-0 in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

Despite the dominant performance, the win wasn’t enough to propel them to the top of the table, as Mamelodi Sundowns retained their lead with a narrow 1-0 victory over Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium.

Oswin Appollis grabbed a brace, one in each half, as the pressure continues to mount between Sundowns and Pirates in this season’s title race.

Pirates remain second with 54 points after 23 matches, two behind Sundowns, who continue to lead the standings.

The game began at a high tempo, with Relebohile Mofokeng striking the post just seconds after kickoff following a cross from Appollis.

Pirates looked energetic and dominant early on, with Kamogelo Sebelebele coming close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute after cutting inside, only to hit the side netting.

Mofokeng eventually broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, curling the ball into the top corner from outside the box to give Pirates a 1-0 lead.

As the match progressed, Pirates maintained control, limiting Abafana Bes’thende to very few attacking opportunities.

In the 29th minute, Pirates doubled their advantage through Appollis, who struck from outside the box after a well-worked short free-kick routine, sending the ball low past goalkeeper Edward Maova.

Things went from bad to worse for Arrows in the 35th minute as Pirates made it 3-0. Masindi Nemtajela delivered a dangerous cross that deflected off Ayabonga Maxwele and into the back of the net.

Pirates went into the break firmly in control with a 3-0 lead.

In the second half, Arrows tried to prevent further damage, but a defensive lapse proved costly as Mofokeng completed his brace in the 60th minute, finishing off a solo run.

The game slowed down thereafter, allowing Arrows to see more of the ball, but Pirates’ defence remained solid.

As Arrows struggled to recover, Appollis added his second goal of the match in the final minute. Pirates have now scored 11 goals in two matches, having also thrashed TS Galaxy 6-0 in their previous outing.