Ayanda Patosi’s solitary strike ended Orlando Pirates’ hopes of winning the Absa Premiership title as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.
The game got off to a lacklustre start with a fierce midfield battle ensuing as the likes of Mpho Matsi and Abbubaker Mobara showed no signs of taking prisoners.
Both teams signalled their intent to attack and Pirates should have done better in the 16th minute when a route one ball from Mobara to Luvuyo Memela saw the winger turn the City defence inside out, but his cross was unable to find a man in the area.
The visitors gradually began to find their rhythm and looked dangerous through the midfield trio of Musa Nyatama, Xola Mlambo and Mobara. Justin Shonga should have done better when he was put through on goal by Thabo Qalinge, but the Zambian opted for a touch too much, which saw the chance go a-begging.
Pirates were denied what looked a clear penalty shout in the 28th minute when Taariq Fielies appeared to have handled Shonga’s goalbound effort in the area, but the referee waved play on.
The visitors began to dominate proceedings with the combination of Memela and Qalinge in particular proving deadly.
City almost took the lead much against the run of play in the 35th minute, but Masoud Juma’s effort went inches wide of the target.
The home side took the lead a minute later when Ayanda Patosi latched on to Lyle Lakay’s lay-off before firing in an unstoppable effort from outside the area.
Pirates piled the pressure on City towards the latter stages of the first half, but it was not meant to be as City went into the break with the advantage.
Pirates threw numbers forward in search of the equaliser, but found it tough to break down the central defensive partnership of Robyn Johannes and Fielies. Juma should have done better when he was presented a three-versus-three opportunity, but the striker opted for the wrong pass.
Both sides made their first changes of the afternoon with Mpho Makola replacing Mlambo, while Craig Martin came on for goalscorer Patosi.
Qalinge came agonisingly close to levelling matters, but the winger’s well-struck volley crashed off the post, much to the dismay of the Bucs fans.
With less than 20 minutes to be played, Pirates made their second change of the game as Thamsanqa Gabuza replaced Mobara.
It was end-to-end action in the final ten minutes of the clash with Pirates doing most of the attacking. City had chances to put the result beyond doubt, but in the end were made to sweat out the victory, which puts them in a good position to secure a top-eight berth this season.
CT City XI: 32. Stephens, 2. Mkhize, 16. Johannes, 5. Dove, 12. Fielies, 23. Matsi, 26. Nodada, 10. Patosi, 7. Lakay, 21. Ralani, 31. Juma.
Pirates XI: 40. Mpontshane, 24. Thopola, 23. Maela, 24. Nyauza, 4. Jele, 45. Mobara, 14. Nyatama, 37. Mlambo, 15. Qalinge, 27. Shonga, 42. Memela.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/Backpagepix
