Pirates? title hopes severly dented

Orlando Pirates’ Absa Premiership title hopes were dealt a massive blow when they went down 1-0 at the hands of SuperSport United.

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Orlando Pirates’ Absa Premiership title hopes were dealt a massive blow on Saturday evening when they went down 1-0 at the hands of SuperSport United at the Orlando Stadium.

Morgan Gould scored the only goal of the game just before the half hour mark, handing the Buccaneers a defeat which leaves them three points adrift of leaders Ajax Cape Town with two rounds of the league season left to play.

The first 28 minutes saw little in the way of scoring chances, with the defences very much on top. However, almost out of nowhere, SuperSport broke the deadlock when Morgan Gould got up highest in the penalty area to head home from a free kick.

Pirates’ defenders were culpable for not marking the United dangerman close enough in the set piece situation, though third-choice goalkeeper Jacob Mokhasi should have made a better effort at saving the downward header.

The Buccaneers dominated the rest of the first half but rarely threatened. Rooi Mamahutsa got his head on a corner kick in the 37th minute but his effort travelled high over the bar.

Tlou Segolela also forced Rowen Fernandez into a fumble with a long range shot just before the break, but the United defence reacted quickest to the loose ball to ensure the half ended with their team one goal to the good.

Pirates’ frustrations continued in the second half. They dominated possession but SuperSport’s defence, marshalled superbly by Man of the Match Gould, proved too stubborn an obstacle for the Soweto giants.

Not that Ruud Krol’s side didn’t create chances. Substitute Mark Mayambela had two good opportunities – one on his stronger left foot and one a header – but he was unable to direct the ball on target from either chance.

But the real crucial moment arrived in the 66th minute. A free kick thumped hopefully into the SuperSport box fell kindly for Happy Jele, but the defender was unable to continue his impressive scoring form, as Fernandez made a superb point-blank save.

Orlando Pirates 0

SuperSport United (1) 1 (Gould 28’)

Pirates: (4-4-2) Mokhasi; Jele, Mahamutsa, Johannes, Cloete; Mabalane (Ndulula 77’), Jali, Manyisa, Segolela; Mabena (Mayambela 60’), Msowoya (Mashego 46’)

SuperSport: (4-4-2) Fernandez; Nkausu, Gould, Booysen, Langerman; Laffor (Kannemeyer 89’), Ntshumayelo (Maluleke 71’), Selolwane, Hartog; Salmon (September 59’), Fikru – BackpageTxt

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/pirates-title-hopes-severly-dented-1.1063063

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