Peprah breaks goal-scoring duck as Pirates edge Gallants

When Orlando Pirates needed him most following their horrific fixture in their last game, striker Kwame Peprah scored two goals, breaking his duck to help Bucs beat Marumo Gallants 2-1 in a DStv Premiership tie at the Orlando Stadium on Monday.

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Pirates were desperate to get back to winning ways, especially after their humiliating 4-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last Friday.

Things seemed to be going from bad to worse for Bucs as they conceded early in the tie, but they managed to bounce back with a great display, especially in the first half, which said a lot about the Soweto giant’s fighting spirit.

Nothing was working out for Gallants after their goal, with head coach Dan Malesela making some changes, but the Limpopo side just couldn’t get their tactics right.

Poor goalkeeping by Siyabonga Mpontshane led to Siphelele Ntshangase finding the back of the net, with what looked like an intended cross that easily placed Gallants in front in the 12^th minute.

With the hosts desperate for a change of fortunes in terms of results, Pirates would go on to level matters thanks to Peprah in the 24^th minute, before the Ghanaian striker gave Bucs the lead two minutes later and getting his second goal of the match with both assists coming from Thembinkosi Lorch.

The opening 10 minutes of the second stanza came with a few attacks from both teams, but it was Ntsako Makhubela’s powerful shot that got close to being a goal, but the excellence of Washington Arubi in Gallants’ poles denied the midfielder.

It continued to be a game of good chances, with the visitors chasing the equaliser, while Bucs were eager to extend their lead. But still, none of the chances would go into goals, as the game finished with the three goals scored from the first half.

Following the win, Pirates jumped to second place in the league standings following with 28 points after 18 games, while Gallants remained in position 11 with 18 points after playing 17 games.