MOZAMBICAN striker Helder Pelembe provided late relief for Orlando Pirates as he scored with just three minutes left to ensure a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match here last night.
Pelembe was set up by Thamsanqa Gabuza, whose square ball found United's defence ball-watching and allowed the substitute to score and give Pirates a much-needed three-point haul - taking them to 40 for the season.
But whether they got the morale high ground ahead of the upcoming Nedbank Cup clash between the two teams on May 3 was unclear in an unconvincing display.
The Team of Choice held Pirates at bay with some ease as the semifinal dress rehearsal proved a generally static affair, livened up only by the late goal.
Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic said his side were emotionally spent after the drama of beating Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend in the cup, while Steve Komphela will be confident he can turn the tables when they meet at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Chances also fell to Mpho Makola in the second half and early on Happy Jele had a header cleared off the line in the 15th minute by Reuben Cloete. Jele later went off with a hamstring pull .
Lehlohonolo Masalesa was fortunate to stay on after a dangerous studs-up challenge in an act of leniency from referee Thabo Nkosi, who also erroneously booked Oupa Manyisa when it was clear he made no contact. The caution means Manyisa sits out the Easter Monday clash at Bloemfontein Celtic.
l Nick Said reports from Cape Town Stadium that Ajax Cape Town's hunt for a top-eight finish is back on course after a 2-0 victory over 10-man SuperSport United in another clash last night.
It was perhaps fitting that the last Absa Premiership match of the season in the Mother City would be played in freezing and windy conditions, but the hearts of Ajax fans were warmed by goals in each half from Tashreeq Morris and Eleazar Rodgers. Matsatsantsa had Enocent Mkhabela sent off with 20 minutes remaining to compound a miserable night for the Tshwane side.
The Urban Warriors did have goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola to thank for a number of excellent saves that kept the frustrated visitors at bay.
A drab first half sprung to life with the final kick as Morris slotted home after United had failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
After Mkhabela had received his marching orders, Rodgers added the second as Ajax cut apart Matsatsantsa defence with a Toriq Losper through ball and the striker slipped his shot past Ronwen Williams.
Bucs' late goal sinks United
MOZAMBICAN striker Helder Pelembe provided late relief for Orlando Pirates as he scored with just three minutes left to ensure a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match here last night.
Pelembe was set up by Thamsanqa Gabuza, whose square ball found United's defence ball-watching and allowed the substitute to score and give Pirates a much-needed three-point haul - taking them to 40 for the season.
But whether they got the morale high ground ahead of the upcoming Nedbank Cup clash between the two teams on May 3 was unclear in an unconvincing display.
The Team of Choice held Pirates at bay with some ease as the semifinal dress rehearsal proved a generally static affair, livened up only by the late goal.
Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic said his side were emotionally spent after the drama of beating Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend in the cup, while Steve Komphela will be confident he can turn the tables when they meet at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Chances also fell to Mpho Makola in the second half and early on Happy Jele had a header cleared off the line in the 15th minute by Reuben Cloete. Jele later went off with a hamstring pull .
Lehlohonolo Masalesa was fortunate to stay on after a dangerous studs-up challenge in an act of leniency from referee Thabo Nkosi, who also erroneously booked Oupa Manyisa when it was clear he made no contact. The caution means Manyisa sits out the Easter Monday clash at Bloemfontein Celtic.
l Nick Said reports from Cape Town Stadium that Ajax Cape Town's hunt for a top-eight finish is back on course after a 2-0 victory over 10-man SuperSport United in another clash last night.
It was perhaps fitting that the last Absa Premiership match of the season in the Mother City would be played in freezing and windy conditions, but the hearts of Ajax fans were warmed by goals in each half from Tashreeq Morris and Eleazar Rodgers. Matsatsantsa had Enocent Mkhabela sent off with 20 minutes remaining to compound a miserable night for the Tshwane side.
The Urban Warriors did have goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola to thank for a number of excellent saves that kept the frustrated visitors at bay.
A drab first half sprung to life with the final kick as Morris slotted home after United had failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
After Mkhabela had received his marching orders, Rodgers added the second as Ajax cut apart Matsatsantsa defence with a Toriq Losper through ball and the striker slipped his shot past Ronwen Williams.
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