Bucs top after beating Benni
Qalinge’s goal subjects City to second defeat
Benni McCarthy just cannot get it right against giants of Soweto after his Cape Town City suffered a 1-0 Absa Premiership defeat, this time at the hands of Orlando Pirates last night.
Much was expected of Pirates’ 17-year-old striker Lyle Foster and much was delivered as he provided the assist for Thabo Qalinge’s goal in the 82nd minute.
It was five years ago when McCarthy inspired Pirates to the league title, but now as City’s master tactician he was aiming to bring heartbreak to the fans who once adored him.
It was not to be as the 39year-old suffered a back-toback loss against another Soweto bigwig after the 2-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs last week.
City have officially hit their first rough patch under McCarthy after their impressive start to the season
Pirates applied pressure on the visitors from the left wing through Bernard Morrison and Thembinkosi Lorch, who danced around defenders Thamsanqa Mkhize and Taariq Fielies on that flank.
With striker Thamsanqa Gabuza left out of the Bucs team, Mpho Makola had the responsibility of leading the attack, but his lack of sharpness meant that Pirates would remain goalless at half-time.
Pirates midfielder Musa Nyatama missed what will surely be one of the easiest scoring chances of his career on the 11th minute when he somehow skyrocketed the ball a yard in front of goal.
If ever the Buccaneers’ faithful decide to bestow him with a nickname, “Safe-hands Sandilands” would be apt for new keeper Wayne Sandilands. He put his body on the line to protect his goal when City striker Lehlohonolo Majoro kicked the ball in his hands in a scramble.
Elsewhere last night, Polokwane City suffered another loss when Free State Stars beat them 3-2, while SuperSport United and Chippa United settled for a 1-1 draw.