Touted as a team who could challenge perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns this term, 10-man Orlando Pirates were given a harsh reality check by Sekhukhune United, who beat them 2-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday.
Elias Mokwana scored Babina Noko's first goal in the 84th minute after a splendid build-up, where they amassed more than 10 passes without losing possession before the goal.
Vusumuzi Mncube put the game to bed by scoring the second goal which was a gift from Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was dispossessed trying to dribble. The win will give Sekhukhune coach Kaitano Tembo some breathing space, as pressure was mounting on the Zimbabwean, having gone six games without a win before yesterday.
Ironically, Pirates had their goalkeeper Ofori to thank for keeping the scoreline even before the half-time break. The Ghanaian was first tested by Bucs' former player and Sekhukhune skipper Linda Mntambo with a ferocious long-range shot but was equal to the task late in the stanza. Ofori produced another brilliant save to deny Daniel Cardoso, who had followed up with a volleyed effort after Mntambo's attempt.
The match was halted for a few minutes early in the second period when a strange incident happened, where one of the assistant referees, Cledwin Baloyi, collided with Pirates captain Innocent Maela down the touchline. Baloyi looked dizzy for a moment before soldiering on.
Pirates was dealt a major blow when Thabiso Monyane received his marching orders 12 minutes into the second half. The Sea Robbers' right-back received his second yellow for hauling speeding Sekhukhune winger Mncube, having been cautioned late in the second half for a dangerous tackle on Victor Letsoalo.
Shortly after Monyane's sent-off, Pirates trainer Jose Riveiro made three changes at once, bringing in Vincent Pule, Kermit Erasmus and Deon Hotto for Kabelo Dlamini, Zakhele Lepasa and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo respectively.
Thanks to his pace, Hotto's introduction afforded Pirates a sense of urgency. The Namibian also whipped in a few crosses to locate Erasmus but Sekhukhune centre-backs Cardoso and Edwin Gyimah just kept the striker at bay.
Ofori goes from Bucs' hero to zero
Keeper makes splendid saves, then howler
Image: Lefty Shivambu
Touted as a team who could challenge perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns this term, 10-man Orlando Pirates were given a harsh reality check by Sekhukhune United, who beat them 2-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday.
Elias Mokwana scored Babina Noko's first goal in the 84th minute after a splendid build-up, where they amassed more than 10 passes without losing possession before the goal.
Vusumuzi Mncube put the game to bed by scoring the second goal which was a gift from Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was dispossessed trying to dribble. The win will give Sekhukhune coach Kaitano Tembo some breathing space, as pressure was mounting on the Zimbabwean, having gone six games without a win before yesterday.
Ironically, Pirates had their goalkeeper Ofori to thank for keeping the scoreline even before the half-time break. The Ghanaian was first tested by Bucs' former player and Sekhukhune skipper Linda Mntambo with a ferocious long-range shot but was equal to the task late in the stanza. Ofori produced another brilliant save to deny Daniel Cardoso, who had followed up with a volleyed effort after Mntambo's attempt.
The match was halted for a few minutes early in the second period when a strange incident happened, where one of the assistant referees, Cledwin Baloyi, collided with Pirates captain Innocent Maela down the touchline. Baloyi looked dizzy for a moment before soldiering on.
Pirates was dealt a major blow when Thabiso Monyane received his marching orders 12 minutes into the second half. The Sea Robbers' right-back received his second yellow for hauling speeding Sekhukhune winger Mncube, having been cautioned late in the second half for a dangerous tackle on Victor Letsoalo.
Shortly after Monyane's sent-off, Pirates trainer Jose Riveiro made three changes at once, bringing in Vincent Pule, Kermit Erasmus and Deon Hotto for Kabelo Dlamini, Zakhele Lepasa and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo respectively.
Thanks to his pace, Hotto's introduction afforded Pirates a sense of urgency. The Namibian also whipped in a few crosses to locate Erasmus but Sekhukhune centre-backs Cardoso and Edwin Gyimah just kept the striker at bay.
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