On Saturday evening, Orlando Pirates dropped to seventh spot on the DStv Premiership table after suffering a 2-1 loss to Cape Town City FC.
Three Major Talking points from Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 defeat against Cape Town City .
A mini thread … pic.twitter.com/mZM8QuWhW6
— The Buccaneers Talkzone (@talk_bucs) January 8, 2023
With Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane out injured, Sipho Chaine got his debut in goal for the Buccaneers, while Kabelo Dlamini, Thabang Monare and Bandile Shandu were recalled.
Jose Riveiro’s charges were quick off the blocks as just two minutes in Monnapule Saleng unleashed a cracking shot from an angle that was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Darren Keet.
Deon Hotto gave the visitors the lead with 20 minutes on the clock after blasting into the top corner from just inside the box. However, Juan Zapata equalised shortly after with a well-weighted header past Chaine.
The second stanza took time to produce goal-mouth action but Pirates shaded the exchanges, with Kermit Erasmus having his first crack at goal with a strike from distance that was smothered by Keet.
Evidence Makgopa was handed his debut off the bench, and shortly after, Eric Tinkler added the pace of Darwin Gonzalez upfront for fresh legs in place of Zapata. The substitute made the perfect impact by giving City the lead in the last 16 minutes with a neat finish from Marc van Heerden’s cross.
Pirates pushed numbers going forward, as they held City in their own half in the closing stages, but the home side were resolute and secured the win that moved them up to sixth on the table. Pirates, meanwhile, dropped down to seventh on the standings with a third straight loss.
