Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa was on target once again as the Buccaneers edged past 10-man AmaZulu with a 1-0 win during their DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday night.
Pirates are now level on 40 points with Stellenbosch FC but moved up to second place above them with a better goal difference.
Sequel from the thrilling Nedbank Cup encounter
In what was a sequel from the thrilling Nedbank Cup encounter in a space of seven days, where Pirates won 4-2, the clash between the two sides was overshadowed by yet another controversial refereeing decision.
As anticipated, the game intensity was at its utmost high. It was end-to-end stuff in front of a boisterous Orlando Stadium crowd.
However, in the 23rd minute, referee Cedric Muvhali made a big call when he gave Usuthu defender Abbubaker Mobara a straight red card. This for fouling Patrick Maswanganyi on the edge of the box.
The sending off was followed by pushing and shoving from both sides, as tempers hit the roof.
The visitors managed to hold their own and defended well enough to ensure that they go to the break all square at 0-0.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro made changes going into the second half. This saw tenacious midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula come off for Thalente Mbatha. And Relebohile Mofokeng made way for fan favourite Monnapule Saleng.
Visitors showed resilience
The visitors picked up from where they left off and showed their resilience and fighting spirit at the back, as they continue to defend well.
But in the 75th minute, their defensive wall would crack. This as Mabasa broke the deadlock at close range through a pass from Saleng. This was to send a tense Orlando crowd into a frenzy.
Mabasa is now tied with Mamelodi Sundowns forward Luca Ribeiro Costa on 11 league goals this season.
Ribeiro’s opposite number, Pablo Franco, who also happens to be his Spanish counterpart, reacted to the goal. He made a triple substitution. However, it was not enough as the Sea Robbers walloped them back-to-back.
