Orlando Pirates put pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns by beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-1 on Wednesday evening at the Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers came into the game sitting just one point behind Pitso Mosimane’s team and, while they were hoping for Downs to slip up, they knew that they could not afford any setbacks of their own.

Pirates started the game with intent and it was not long until they took the lead on 16 minutes. A pin-point cross by Innocent Maela was met by Musa Nyatama who made no mistake with his header, giving his team the lead.

Both sides were struggling to create any real chance of note, 1-0 at the break.

Veselin Jelušić’s side knew they had to start the next half well and that’s just what they did as they levelled the scores with just one minute played in the second half. Pirates were caught napping during a corner and the ball was played to Lorenzo Gordinho who expertly finished, 1-1 with 46 minutes gone.

Gordinho then went from hero to villain as he was sent off on 68 minutes. Thamsanqa Gabuza was sent through clear on goal before he was brought down by the Celtics man who was subsequently sent off by the referee.

Pirates had the man advantage and made it count as they took back the lead on 78 minutes. Augustine Mulenga, who just came on as a substitute, received the ball and let loose a rocket of a shot which flew into the top corner, 2-1 to Pirates.

Milutin Sredojević would undoubtedly be happy with the three points as his side continue to press Sundowns all the way.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix