Orlando Pirates have redeemed themselves with a much needed win against Lamontville Golden Arrows by a convincing 2-0 scoreline on Tuesday evening. Relieving the pressure on the coach, as well as the emphasis on their lack of goals.
The first half started really fast when Phillip Ndlondlo hit the crossbar in the first minute of the game to set the tone. Four minutes later, Kermit Erasmus unselfishly played in Monnapule Saleng, who fired in the first goal, as well as his first from close range.
Later on, in minute 18, Erasmus had a shot saved by Nkosingiphile Gumede within the box, which was dangerously parried away to safety. Five minutes later Saleng completed his brace with a shot that slipped under Gumede, which was held up and laid off by Erasmus again.
In the 34th minute, an attempt at goal by Nqobeko Dlamini was saved by Goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane and regathered. Pirates replied with a chance three minutes later by Erasmus, which spilled towards Hotto and missed wide.
Velemseni Ndwandwe thought he had pulled one back in the 42nd minute, but it was correctly ruled offside. Just before half time, Dlamini took a free kick on target, which was held onto by Mpontsane.
In the second stanza, Ndlondlo created space for a shot that was pushed over the crossbar by Gumede for a corner in the 48th minute.
Thereafter, the majority of the half was plagued by substitutions and injuries, killing any kind of momentum that either side wanted to generate.
A late chance by Pule Mmodi was tipped for a corner by Mpontsane, and the resulting corner was headed by Bongumusa Nkosi, but again easily saved by Goalkeeper Mpontsane.
Overall, a great win for the Buccaneers, who now move up to fourth on the log, playing more positively and with a better intensity and intention. This will give them great momentum and confidence going into their MTN 8 second leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.