Orlando Pirates survived a late onslaught to beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

Sipho Chaine made six crucial saves, especially in the latter stages of the game, including a dramatic collision with Chiubuke Ohizu as he came off his line to avert danger.

The win moves Pirates to 33 points after 13 matches, still behind Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat SuperSport United 3-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium on the same day. Sundowns now have 39 points after 14 matches, having played one more game than Pirates.

It was always expected to be a tough battle for Pirates against Sekhukhune, who are fourth in the Betway Premiership table with 24 points after 15 matches.

However, Deon Hotto gave Pirates a dream start, drilling a low free kick past Ali Sangare at the near post in the fifth minute. Hotto was pushed further forward from his usual left-back position into the attack, with Paseko Mako taking over at left-back. This was the only change made by Pirates from their Soweto Derby win against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday. Mohau Nkota, who has been out of form recently, was left out of the squad entirely.

Pirates suffered a setback when defender Thabiso Sesane, who has been outstanding this season, appeared to injure his foot. Sesane was stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Thapelo Xoki in the 18th minute. The player seemed to be in tears, suggesting a potentially serious injury. Pirates’ technical team and fans will hope the injury is not as bad as first feared, and that Sesane will be fit for their top-of-the-table clash against Sundowns at a sold-out Loftus Stadium on Saturday.

Sekhukhune responded with chances created by Sipho Mbule and Keletso Makgalwa, but they couldn’t trouble Chaine in the Pirates goal.

Before the second half began, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro replaced Tshegofatso Mabasa with Evidence Makgopa.

Pirates then struck again early in the second half. Makhehleni Makhaula met Hotto’s free kick and guided it into the net unmarked to make it 2-0. Makhaula’s celebration of his first league goal for Pirates was memorable, involving a comical dance near the corner flag.

Sekhukhune almost gifted Pirates a third goal when a comical error by Sangare, attempting to play out from the back, resulted in him losing possession to Patrick Maswanganyi. However, Maswanganyi’s shot went wide.

Sekhukhune came close to pulling a goal back in the 59th minute. Chaine was put under pressure by Pogiso Mahlangu, who got ahead of him from a dangerous throw-in. The ball fell kindly to a Sekhukhune defender, but his shot was wide. Sangare continued to look uncomfortable whenever Sekhukhune played the ball back to him.

In the 69th minute, Riveiro substituted Hotto, likely to rest him ahead of the crucial match in Pretoria on Saturday.

Linda Mntambo pulled a goal back for Sekhukhune in the 77th minute after Pirates defender Deano van Rooyen failed to clear the second ball. Mntambo’s initial shot was saved by Chaine, and Vuyo Letlapa’s powerful shot then hit the crossbar. Mntambo followed up to make it 2-1.

Sekhukhune dominated the remainder of the game, with Chaine making another crucial save as Pirates seemed to drop off. Pirates offered little threat going forward.

Maswanganyi, who scored a Panenka penalty in the final minute of the Soweto Derby, was denied a third goal of the game by Sangare from close range in the 89th minute after a good run into the box.

Sekhukhune appealed for a penalty late in the game, but referee Abongile Tom waved away their claims.