Pirates’ win against Chippa intensifies race for Champions League spot

Orlando Pirates’ impressive performance against Chippa United saw them climb back to second position on the DStv Premiership table after edging the Chilli Boys 2-0 to secure their fourth  consecutive league win at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. 

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Pirates had been overtaken in second place by SuperSport United after Matsatsantsa won 2-0 against TS Galaxy on Friday. 

Both Pirates and United are level on 43 points after 24 games but Bucs have a better goal difference, with the race for the Caf Champions League spot continuing to intensify.

It was a game of high-tempo from the onset and a mistake by Chippa goalkeeper Loydt Kazapa almost saw Pirates open the scoring in the first two minutes of the match, but Monnapule Saleng reacted late.

In the 17th minute, the Chilli Boys also came close to scoring after Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine’s punched ball landed in Brooklyn Poggenpoel’s path, but his attempt went wide.

A few minutes later after failing to utilise their chance, the Chilli Boys got punished after Saleng spotted Kabelo Dlamini inside the box and the midfielder slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0. 

The home side didn’t drop their heads after Pirates’ goal, with Ronald Pfumbidzai and Etiosa Ighodaro trying to get an equaliser for their side, but they were well marshalled by the Buccaneers defence.

Instead, the Soweto giants would go on to extend their lead before half time after a beautiful pass by Paseka Mako to Thembinkosi Lorch saw the latter with only the keeper to beat as he calmly scored to make it 2-0.

A great counter attack by Chippa in the 54th minute presented the home team with a chance to pull one goal back, but Bucs shot-stopper Chaine managed to make a great save. 

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The hosts made some changes in their efforts to try to come back into the game, but the Buccaneers remained tight at the back. 

As the game progressed, the tempo of the match dropped a little.,Pirates remained more dangerous than their opponents, but they just could not score the third goal -however, getting maximum points was the most important thing for them.