Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership encounter on Wednesday evening.
Pirates presented three changes from Friday’s loss to Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, with Paseka Mak, Bandile Shandu and Kabelo Dlamini coming in for Tapelo Xoki Deano Van Rooyen and Makhehlene Makhaula.
The Buccaneers, who were shattered by their Champions League exit, looked to settle first but Babina Noko managed to hold their lines very well.
Shandu got a perfect chance to make the breakthrough midway through the first half with a shot in the area following Relebohile Mofokeng’s cross, but he sent his effort high and wide.
Eric Tinkler’s boys remained on the back-foot in the closing stages to halftime and conceded another chance as Mofokeng stung the gloves of Renaldo Leaner from the area.
Babina Noko enjoyed a bit of momentum late in the half, but couldn’t find an opening and saw the end goalless.
Tinkler introduced former Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo at the resumption and removed Samkele Sihlali, while the host remained unchanged from the opening half.
The Buccaneers continued to have the lion share of chances as Deon Hotto linked up with Evidence Makgopa to get goal-side, but he dragged well wide.
Pirates were stunned ten minutes after the interval when Tresor Yamba pounced on a pin-corner from Keletso Makgalwa and headed into the top corner, with Chaine unable to collect the ball.
The Buccaneers unleashed a triple substitution to get back in the game as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa came on.
Jose Riveiro’s men were buoyed by the refreshed approach late on, as Mbekezeli Mbokazi went narrowly wide of target from the head following a corner.
Although, Pirates' comeback hopes were dealt a blow on 84 minutes when Nkosinathi Sibisi was sent off after committing a second bookable offence.
The Buccaneers could indeed not stage a comeback as the defeat leave their hopes of the title in tatters, while Sekhukhune’s dream start under Tinkler continues.
Confirmed line-ups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Shandu, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mako, Hotto, Mbatha, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Nkota, Makgopa
Subs: Buthelezi, Radiopane, Ndlozi, Madiba, Xoki, Maswanganyi, Mabasa, Ndlondlo, Makhaula
Sekhukhune United: Leaner, Cardoso, Langa, Rammala, Tshibwabwa, Mkhize, Monare, Mogaila, Sihlali, Makgalwa, Ohizu
Subs: Sangare, Letlapa, Mokoena, Mntambo, Shezi, Kapinga, Tlaka, Ngakosso, Boyeli
