Orlando Pirates stayed in touch with fellow Premiership contenders Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, securing victory over Mpumalanga Black Aces.
|||
Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates stayed in touch with fellow Premiership contenders Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, securing a 2-1victory over Mpumalanga Black Aces in wet conditions at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
“It was not a great performance, if I'm honest,” said Pirates coach Eric Tinkler.
“We looked a little bit cagey, our movement wasn't very good and we looked lethargic during stages of the game.
“We created a few opportunities... and though it was not a great performance overall by our boys, it was a gutsy performance.
“Sometimes you've got to grind out those results even when you're not playing so well. It was vital to get the three points,” he said.
Lehlohonolo Majoro had perhaps the best chances for a dominant Pirates outfit in the first 40 minutes, but he hit the side-netting from close range midway through the opening period and blasted well over the bar shortly after the half-hour mark.
The Buccaneers broke through ahead of the break, however, when Siboniso Gumede was shown a yellow card for holding Thandani Ntshumayelo in the area, and Oupa Manyisa scored from the resultant penalty.
The visitors showed more intent in the second half but wasted multiple opportunities, repeatedly firing high and wide.
Pirates keeper Brighton Mhlongo was untroubled for most of the match, though he did produce a great diving save just after the interval to deny a direct attempt from a free kick.
With less than 20 minutes left, the hosts extended their advantage when Thabo Rakhale netted a curling strike, setting himself up by rounding a defender and burying a superb long-range effort.
Aces were handed a lifeline two minutes later when Thabo Matlaba brought down Tshidiso Tukane, and Tendai Ndoro hit the back of the net from the penalty spot.
They were unable to find the equaliser in the closing stages, however, as the home side pocketed all three points.
While Pirates stretched their unbeaten run to 11 successive league matches, remaining third in the top-flight standings, Aces were entrenched in the bottom half of the table with six matches left in the campaign.
“We couldn't convert our chances and luck was not on our side, but all in all the boys gave their best.
“They played very well, so I've got no complaints, and we'll now go back to the drawing board,” said Aces coach Jacob Sakala. – Sapa
from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1ExilYN
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire