Cruel twist in Pirates victory

Courtsey of a cruel Thabiso Mokoena deflection, Orlando Pirates recorded their sixth League victory in a row as they beat Black Leopards 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday.

After holding on for so long with intense pressure from the visitors especially in the later stages of the game, Lidoda Duvha were undone by the wicked deflection off a Vincent Pule shot outside the box from the left flank in stoppage time.

There were a number of chances that were created by both teams throughout the match, but their attempts were fruitless.

The Buccaneers threatened to score first just eight minutes into the game through their top scorer Gabadinho Mhango, but the Malawian international shot wide.

Thabo Matlaba got a glorious chance as the clock hit the halfhour mark with only the goalkeeper to beat, but the skipper failed to hit the target as he skied his shot over the bar. Leopards were not done attacking the Buccaneers with Edwin Gymha’s powerful header forcing Wayne Sandilands to make a great save from close range two minutes later.Linda Mtambo attempted a long range effort trying to catch the Leopards goalkeeper off his line, but he was unfortunate to see his effort go just inches over the crossbar in the 39th minute.

The home side responded with a threat on goal through a Mogakolodi Ngele setpiece, but it clipped the bar before going out of play.

The second half saw both sides having numerous attempts on goal, but nothing worked out.

Substitute Thabiso Mokoena hit a thunderous shot from just outside the box to try and give Leopards the lead, but his shot went across the face of goal.

But, it was the Buccaneers who finally gave their fans something to cheer about albeit via a touch of good fortune.