Pirates Down Bay To Go Joint Top Along With Sundowns

Kabelo Dlamini scored a stupendous free kick as Orlando Pirates overcame Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership match at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was looking for someone to inspire his team after they were left frustrated by the Rich Boys, who blocked all the channels inside and outside and it was clear the only way to score was from set plays and Dlamini delivered.
Just on the edge of the box, Pirates were awarded a free kick in the 83rd minute, and Dlamini, who came on for Thalente Mbatha, curled and beat Bay goal Ian Otieno who was left rooted in the box, and his face was left crushed as he felt that he was let down by his team-mates.
The win sees Pirates go second in the Betway Premiership table on goal difference with nine points along with Mamelodi Sundowns, who have also won their three matches this season. The latter beat Kaizer Chiefs in a highly controversial game at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Traveling for the first time in a league fixture, Pirates visited Bay on a rainy day in Umlazi on Sunday afternoon for an encounter that promised to serve much excitement and thrill.
The Buccaneers started into the game without the services of two usual starters Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng who both took a knock in the previous fixture against Polokwane City. The two players also seemed to be rested for the upcoming MTN8 final against Stellenbosch at Moses Mabhida next Saturday.
After failing to trap the ball and losing possession at the back, Pirates center-back Thabiso Sesane found himself having made a reckless foul and receiving a yellow card for bringing down Justice Figuareido.
Despite dominating in ball possession, the Soweto giants seemed to find it difficult to maneuver through the stubborn Bay defense. Hence, the two teams were still deadlocked after 30 minutes of football had been played.
The referee Masixole Bambiso blew his whistle for halftime with the score still locked on 0-0.
Coming into the second half, Pirates introduced a new centerback pairing with Sesane being replaced by Nkosinathi Sibisi after going on the referee’s book earlier in the game.
In the 63rd minute, coach Riverio introduced Dlamini and striker Evidence Makgopa in an attempt to apply more pressure upon a tight Bay defense. The two substitutes came in place of Mbatha and Tshegofatso Mabasa
Moving the ball from flank to flank, trying to find an opening in the half spaces, Pirates seemed to be running out of ideas as the game progressed to its latter stages.
Eventually a moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute as substitute, Dlamini once again struck one from a dead ball to give Pirates the lead.
The game suddenly opens up, with the Natal Rich Boys sending in waves of attacks in looking for an equalizer. Closing shop at the last minute, the Pirates introduced Paseka Mako who made his first season appearance after being out for almost a full season due to injury.
In the heat of Bay’s waves of attack, the referee blew the final whistle ending a tough encounter for both teams that was decided by a moment of brilliance in an 82nd minute set piece.
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