Orlando Pirates secured three vital points against Stellenbosch FC at the Ellis Park stadium on Saturday afternoon in the PSL.
Stellenbosch FC already caused one of the major upsets of the season by defeating Orlando Pirates 1-0 in their first round PSL clash however Orlando Pirates were not to be shocked twice thanks to a first-half Gabadinho Mhango goal.
Orlando Pirates revived their disaster PSL bio-bubble, after an extremely disappointing start the Buccaneers earned three consecutive victories in the final three games of the season to book their place in the 2020/2021 CAF Confederations Cup.
Gabadinho Mhango added to his 15-goal tally this afternoon against Stellenbosch, his powerful strike today meant he ended up joint tied with Highlands Park’s Peter Shalulile in the race for the PSL’s Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot race
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Stellenbosch FC: Relive the live PSL action here
Our live updates will appear below; they might take longer to load on slower connections. Please refresh your browser if updates are delayed or interrupted.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 Stellenbosch: PSL match report
Stellebosch FC started the brighter of the two PSL teams at the Ellis Park stadium with Leletu Skelem and Du Preez’s pace forcing the Buccaneers’ defence into early errors. Du Preez almost made Orlando Pirates pay early on however his effort went just wide of goal.
Orlando Pirates took their time to get going however when they eventually placed their foot in the paddle, the Buccaneers dominated possession. Lorch came close to giving Orlando Pirates the lead in the 32nd minute however his effort went well over the goalposts. Ndlovu was the next Pirates player to come close to breaking the deadlock however his tame effort was easily dealt with leaving the PSL clash deadlocked at 0-0.
The deadlock was finally broken in stoppage time following the first half with Mhango pouncing on a loose ball infront of the Stellenbosch goal. The Malawian forward’s powerful finish handed the Buccaneers a well deserved 1-0 PSL lead over Stellenbosch at half-time,
Watch: Mhango scores 16th goal of the PSL season
Thembinkosi Lorch came close to doubling Orlando Pirates’ lead over Stellenbosch in the 53rd minute however the reigning PSL player of the season’s shooting boots were missing on the day. Thabiso Monyane came close minutes later however his effort went wide off the mark as well.
Both teams pushed for a goal in the second half however it wasn’t to be. The victory for Orlando Pirates means they finish third on the PSL log standings and successfully qualify for next season’s CAF Confederations Cup while Stellenbosch end their maiden Absa Premiership season in 10th place.
Orlando Pirates squad
Orlando Pirates XI: Sandilands, Mako, Jele, Nyauza, Monyane, Pule, Ndlovu, Motshwari, Dlamini, Lorch, Mhango
Subs: Mpontshane, Ndengane, Maela, Makaringe, Mntambo, Zungu, Memela, Lepasa, Mabasa.
Stellenbosch squad
Stellenbosch XI: Langeveldt, Robertson, Johannes, Mthethwa, Mobbie, Scott, Sinkala, Moroole, Van Heerden, Du Preez, Skelem.
Subs: Pool, De Goede, Bergman, Msengi, Mbekile, Adams, Van Rooyen, Isaacs, Moon
