Orlando Pirates staged a dramatic comeback to secure a resounding 2-1 victory against Cape Town City FC during the Betway Premiership clash held at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The late goal by Goodman Mosele, who was playing his first match of the season, sealed the much-needed win, cutting the gap to leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The match was particularly important for both teams, having entered the fixture after previous losses. It seemed poised to end 1-1 as the clock wound down, but the Buccaneers, known for their resolve, pushed for the win until the very last minutes of play.
Things initially looked grim for the hosts when Cape Town City opened the scoring with Haashim Domingo's goal at the 21-minute mark, resulting from their first attempt on target. The play was initiated by Prins Tjiueza, whose well-placed cross found Domingo at the perfect moment. It marked Domingo's first goal of the season, spearing hopes for the Cityzens.
Despite falling behind, Orlando Pirates showed incredible determination. They pressured City consistently, pushing the visitors back for large stretches of the first half, but occasionally squandered their best chances. Forward Relebohile Mofokeng exhibited his attacking flair early on, creating problems for City's defense but failing to convert opportunities. An effort by him was well deflected, earning Pirates their first corner.
The Buccaneers felt the urgency to equalize and nearly did so before halftime, with Sipho Chaine stepping up to deal with multiple attempts by City, including one from Prins Tjiueza who narrowly missed doubling the lead.
Orlando Pirates took control after halftime, strategically adjusting their approach. They finally equalized after Tshegofatso Mabasa capitalized on Mohau Nkota’s cross, deftly slotting the ball past Darren Keet to level the game at 1-1. The goal came as no surprise; Mabasa has been one of the standout performers for Pirates, proving his value for the team with timely strikes.
From there, the match became fiercely contested as both teams sought all three points. Pirates' confidence surged as they ramped up their attacking play. They came close to scoring again with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo firing off long-range shots, which kept City's goalie's reflexes sharp.
Just when the draw seemed inevitable, Goodman Mosele emerged as the hero for Orlando Pirates, finding the back of the net with mere minutes left on the clock. An intense scramble on the goal line culminated with Mosele poking the ball home, sending the home crowd at Orlando Stadium roaring with joy. His effort not only secured the victory but showcased the depth of talent within the squad as he had been sidelined previously.
The result is particularly significant for the Pirates as it propels them closer to the top of the table, cutting Mamelodi Sundowns' lead to single digits. Following this engagement, Pirates will shift their focus to their next fixture, where they are scheduled to face off against Royal AM, but this match has been postponed due to circumstances concerning the opponent.
On the other hand, Cape Town City continues to struggle, now marked by five consecutive league matches without victory. This latest setback adds pressure as they attempt to recalibrate and turn their fortunes around before the upcoming encounters against struggling opponents.
With their spirited performance, Orlando Pirates are not just banking on this win for confidence; they are also showcasing their resolve and ambition as they navigate the rigorous Betway Premiership. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the team progresses throughout the remainder of the season, particularly with their fixture schedule intensifying.