Sneaky Pirates go top-of-the-log

Orlando Pirates got back to winning ways after edging Cape Town City 1-0 at the FNB Stadium last night.

It took a late second half goal from winger Thabo Qalinge to ensure the home side go top of the Absa Premiership table with 11 points after five games.

Qalinge benefited from a right wing cross which came from the boot of the 17-year old youngster Lyle Foster, who was recently promoted to the senior team.

The loss for City, meanwhile, was the second of the season after losing 2-0 to another Soweto team Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend.

Benni McCarthy’s team have six points on the table having played four league games.

Bucs were first to threaten when Thembinkosi Lorch (below) rounded City keeper Shu-Aib Walters, but he got himself a tight angle with Walters recovering well to make a save.

From the resulting corner, Musa Nyatama found himself with only the keeper to beat, but he squandered his shot over the bar from close range.

City winger Lyle Lakay forced a great save from Pirates keeper Wayne Sandilands from a freekick, before making another save to deny Roland Putsche from putting the visitors in the lead with a header.

The Cape side thought they had taken the lead in the 33rd minute when Lehlohonolo Majoro sneaked in the first pole to connect with Lakay’s cross from the right wing. However, referee Kulasande Qongqo judged the striker for a foul on Sandilands, with the replay suggesting otherwise.

The second half was similar, with several goal scoring opportunities created, but the scoreboard remained 0-0.

It was not until the 82nd minute when substitute Foster broke through from the right side before finding Qalinge to score the winning goal of the match. Other results:

SuperSport United 1 Chippa United 1; Free State Stars 3 Polokwane City 2.