Orlando Pirates got back to winning ways and bagged all three points in a 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the DStv Premiership on Saturday evening.
The game got off to a slow start, with both teams looking to find a passing rhythm from the get go. With a couple of players going down due to sturdy tackles, the game produced a number of physical encounters during the opening exchanges.
Following a well-worked passing move on the half-way line, Pirates made way in the TS Galaxy half and broke the deadlock in the 5th minute. Zakhele Lepasa’s right-footed shot inside the area took a big deflection which caught the goalkeeper off guard.
In looking to fend off the Pirates attacks, Galaxy were forced to hit the hosts on the counter attack however, Pirates remained solid in their own half.
With the game reaching the halfway point of the first 45, TS Galaxy began seeing more of the ball. The Rockets looked dangerous going forward but struggled to make the most of their chances in the final third.
Pirates doubled their lead in the 37th minute, with Lepasa getting his second goal of the evening. In another well-constructed passing move, the Soweto giants infiltrated the Galaxy midfield with Lepasa taking charge.
In an attempt to pass the ball into the penalty area, Lepasa’s miscued effort went directly over Buthelezi’s head and into the back of the net.
The hosts headed into the break with a two goal advantage as the Rockets were unable to break down the Bucs defence.
TS Galaxy got off to a flyer at the beginning of the second-half and took the game to the home side. With Xola Mlambo and Keletso Makgalwa introduced, the Rockets upped the possession statistic in their favour.
With an hour played at the Orlando Stadium, the tempo of the game dropped somewhat, however the visitors appeared to have been the more urgent of the two sides. As the 80th minute approached, the game lacked significant moments as both teams struggled to construct passing rhythms.
As Pirates kicked into game-management mode toward the end of the tie, the Sea Robbers held on to record a 2-0 home win with TS Galaxy recording two losses on the trot.
Orlando Pirates: (2) 2 (Lepasa 5’ 37’)
TS Galaxy: (0) 0
Pirates: Ofori, Xoki (Ndah 66’), Sibsi, Maela, Shandu (Mako 72’), Monare (Motshwari 66’), Timm, Hotto, Makaringe (Makgaka 84’), Dlamini, Lepasa (Eva Nga 84’)
Galaxy: Buthelezi, Sanoka, Nyama, Msimango, Munyai, Mbatha, Hlongwane (Vilakazi 74’), Aubaas (Mlambo 46’), Parker, Mbunjana, Teto (Makgalwa 46’).
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