Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to beat AmaZulu 2-1 in their Absa Premiership match at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Pirates travelled down to Durban looking to keep their hopes of catching Mamelodi Sundowns alive while AmaZulu were looking to claw their way out of the relegation battle.

The game was open from the get-go and after both sides traded early blows, it was Usuthu who took the lead. A sweeping counterattack saw the ball played out wide to Ovidy Karuru, who delivered an inch-perfect cross, finding the run of Mabhuti Khenyeza and leaving the striker with a tap-in, 1-0 to the home side with just 11 minutes gone.

Pirates had a lot of the ball but were struggling to break down the Durban-based side. They, however, continued to press on and grabbed the lead through a set-piece. Luvuyo Memela whipped in a dangerous free kick, Musa Nyatama rose highest to meet the ball and directed his header into the bottom corner, 1-1 after 33 minutes.

Both sides were contributing to an open and attacking game but failed to make any change to the scoreline before half-time, 1-1 at the break.

The Sea Robbers again looked to dominate possession but as in the first half, they were struggling to create any clear-cut chances.

Pirates came close on 74 minutes. The ball was played into Justin Shonga who took a touch and looked to arrow his shot into the bottom corner but was denied by Siyabonga Mbatha’s magnificent save.

Five minutes later and the Buccaneers had their lead. Innocent Maela’s cross from the left-hand side missed everyone to find Thabo Qalinge at the back post; the substitute made no mistake, smashing his shot into the back of the net from close range.

Pirates then shut up shop and saw out the remaining 10 minutes of the game, 2-1 the final score as the Soweto Giants keep their title hopes alive.

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