Orlando Pirates strengthened their Betway Premiership title credentials on Tuesday night with a commanding 2–0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium. Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured the Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches across all competitions while climbing to third in the standings.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Makgopa Opens the Scoring in Soweto
Pirates entered the match in a confident mood and wasted no time asserting themselves. From the outset, they pinned Galaxy back with high pressing and quick passing. The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when the referee awarded a penalty after a challenge inside the area.
Despite strong protests from Galaxy, Makgopa held his nerve, sending Ira Tape the wrong way from the spot to net his first league goal of the season. That strike energised the hosts, who pushed forward with 15 attempts at goal compared to Galaxy’s six. However, Tape’s string of fine saves kept the visitors in the contest.
Galaxy Struggle to Break Pirates Down
TS Galaxy, sitting mid-table ahead of the clash, looked unsettled throughout the first half. Coach Sead Ramović’s men introduced Junior Zindonga after the break in an attempt to add firepower, but Pirates’ backline stood firm. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was rarely tested as Galaxy lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the Soweto giants.
While Pirates enjoyed 52% possession and continued creating opportunities, their inability to kill the game off earlier meant the scoreline remained tight. Galaxy briefly threatened to find a late equaliser, but their resistance eventually collapsed.
Mabasa Strikes Late to Seal the Win
With the match edging into stoppage time, Pirates finally got their reward for sustained pressure. Substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa pounced in the 92nd minute, calmly slotting home to double the lead and wrap up a deserved three points.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed his players’ mentality after the final whistle. “It was a very difficult game against strong opposition. I’m proud of the unity and solidarity my players showed. They respected the plan, and that’s why we earned this victory,” he said.
Orlando Pirates Eye Betway Premiership Title Challenge
The win moves Orlando Pirates to third in the Betway Premiership table with 15 points from seven matches. Importantly, they still have three games in hand on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who top the league with 21 points after 10 outings. TS Galaxy, meanwhile, slipped to seventh with 13 points from eight matches.
Ouaddou believes this consistency will be key in the title race: “We will keep working, and I hope the team continues this spirit until the end of the season.”
Focus Turns to Carling Knockout Cup
Orlando Pirates will now shift attention to cup competition, as they host Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Cup first round on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
For TS Galaxy, the focus moves to their own knockout campaign as they prepare to face Orbit College.
With their unbeaten streak intact and key players like Makgopa and Mabasa firing, the Buccaneers look well-placed to mount a serious push for both league and cup honours this season.
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