Orlando Pirates moved up to third in the Absa Premiership standings after claiming an impressive 3-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Buccaneers came out guns blazing in the opening exchanges of the match and broke the deadlock as early as the second minute when Ntsikelelo Nyauza fired his effort into the back of the net from close range.

Themba Zwane should have levelled matters five minutes later after latching on to a loose ball in the area, but Pirates keeper Jackson Mabokgwane made a fine save to deny the midfielder.

However, Pirates then doubled their lead in the 18th minute as Mpho Makola fired his effort past Sundowns shot-stopper Denis Onyango to find the back of the net, 2-0.

Pirates should’ve added a third in the 32nd minute, but Luvuyo Memela fired his effort over the target in an one-on-one opportunity situation with Onyango.

Sundowns eventually pulled a goal back just after Zwane played a ball through to Percy Tau, who curled his effort into the top corner, 2-1.

Memela came close to extending Pirates lead just before the break when he unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, but his strike could only find the woodwork.

Sundowns thought they had reduced the deficit three minutes into the second half as Tau found the back of the net from close range, but the forward was flagged for offside.

Substitute Anthony Laffor should have levelled matters in the 65th minute when he found himself in space with only Mabokgwane to beat, but the forward failed to hit the target with his effort.

The Buccaneers then extended their lead even further seven minutes from time after Mamela fired the ball into the back of the net.

Pitso Mosimane’s side pressed forward in search of a goal in the closing stages of the match but they were unable to break down the Buccaneers defence as Milutin Sredojevic’s side held on to their 3-1 lead over Sundowns until the final whistle.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix