A goal from Fortune Makaringe inspired Orlando Pirates to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.

The Buccaneers showed their intent early as they looked for the opening goal but found it hard to break down the Sekhukhune defence in the opening exchanges.

Justin Shonga had a chance to hand the home side the lead in the 24th minute after beating Bandile Shandu in a one-on-one situation before floating a ball into the area, but the Pirates man did well to track back to head the ball away from danger.

Pirates had a chance of their own in the 32nd minute when Deon Hotto played his free kick into the path of Siphesihle Ndlovu, who skyed his effort at goal.

Neither side were able to find the back of the net in the first half with the game goalless at the break.

Happy Jele came to his side’s rescue early in the second stanza when he made a crucial block to thwart Tshediso Patje’s effort at goal.

The Buccaneers were then awarded a penalty in the 64th minute. Hotto stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort saved by
Ayanda Dlamini.

The visitors opted for fresh legs in a double substitution four minutes later as Wayde Jooste came on for Shandu, while Kwame Peprah made way for Tshegofatso Mabasa before Ndlovu was replaced by Thembinkosi Lorch, while Fortune Makaringe came on for Kabelo Dlamini, with Bongani Sam replacing Deon Hotto in the 77th minute.

Makaringe made an instant impact as substitute as he handed Pirates the lead in the 82nd minute when he combined well with Mabasa to find the back of the net after an error from the Sekhukhune keeper.

Sekhukhune pushed for an equalising goal in stoppage time, but Jele put his body on the line to make a vital block to keep out Yusuf Maart’s shot as Pirates held on for the win and all three points.