Orlando Pirates suffered a setback to their title hopes as they went down 1-0 to a spirited SuperSport United side at the Mbombela Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Pirates came into the game knowing that Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits face each other on the weekend, and were looking to pick up a vital three points in their charge for the title.

SuperSport, on the other hand, seemed to have found some form and were also looking to climb the table with a big three points. They would certainly have wanted to avenge the 3-1 defeat at the Orlando Stadium earlier in the campaign.

Matsatsantsa started the game well and were first to come close as Evans Rusike forced Wayne Sandilands into a save after a swift counter-attack in the 11th minute.

Pirates were struggling to find their feet, while SuperSport continued to threaten, with Clayton Daniels next to test Sandilands as his header drew a sharp save from the former Sundowns keeper.

While Kaitano Tembo’s men threatened, the Buccaneers couldn’t find their rhythm as their attackers struggled to create an impact, making for an easy half for SuperSport stopper Ronwen Williams.

0-0 at the break with the game still firmly in the balance.

Tembo’s men came out firing in the second stanza and eventually opened the scoring after 60 minutes as Daniels on this occasion beat Sandilands with a rocket header.

The goal shocked Pirates into action as Thembinkhosi Lorch forced Williams into a brilliant diving save with 70 minutes gone.

Milutin Sredojevic’s men were pushing forward and were provided with a golden chance when Rusike handled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot 12 minutes before time.

Captain Happy Jele stepped up to take the penalty, but the defender was denied by Williams and it seemed not to be Pirates’ night.

1-0 the final score as the Sea Robbers drop vital points in the title race.