Gabadinho Mhango continued his red-hot form to guide Orlando Pirates to a 2-1 victory over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Buccaneers came into this encounter on an eight-game unbeaten run after edging AmaZulu 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium in their previous league match.

Meanwhile, the Chili Boys arrived on a three-game winless run after suffering a 3-0 defeat by SuperSport United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in their last league game.

Pirates got off to a good start and nearly took the lead after the fifth minute but Veli Motshwari tipped Mhango’s effort over the crossbar.

The visitors were then awarded a penalty four minutes later when Innocent Maela was fouled by Gregory Damons. Mhango stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick.

Mhango then doubled his side’s lead in the 20th minute when he latched on to a loose ball in the area to slot it past Mothwa.

Chippa pulled a goal back nine minutes later when Augustine Kwem beat two defender to fire the ball past Wayne Sandilands.

Luvuyo Memela nearly made it 3-1 following a quick counter-attack but fired his effort straight at Mothwa.

The home side opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs after the restart when they handed Ruzaigh Gamildien his debut.

Gamildien nearly made an instant impact but failed to make the most of his chance in front of goal.

Gerald Modisane came to his side’s rescue on the hour mark when he headed the ball off the line to deny Nyauza’s half volley.

Mothwa denied Mhango his hat-trick when he made a superb save point-blank after he latched on to a through-ball from Thembinkosi Lorch.

However, Pirates held on to their lead over Chippa until the final whistle to claim their fifth straight win.