Substitute Cuthbert Malajila netted the only goal of the game to hand Bidvest Wits a 1-0 win against Orlando Pirates in their Absa Premiership encounter at the Bidvest Stadium on Thursday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The game got off to a lively start, with the visitors showing their attacking intent in the early exchanges, however Wits’ high-pressing tactic was enough to thwart any danger posed by Pirates.

Wits winger Phakamani Mahlambi proved threatening on a number of occasions with his pace and trickery, but garnered little success when delivering the ball into the area.

End-to-end action was displayed in the first-half, but neither side were able to penetrate each other’s defence, largely owing to the tight midfield battle.

The two sides went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.

Gavin Hunt introduced Cuthbert Malajila for Sifiso Myeni at the start of the second-half as the home side went in search for of the opener.

Mahlambi continued to get the better of Patrick Phungwayo and the The Clever Boys after the winger’s surging run resulted in Malajila slotting the ball past Siyabonga Mpontshane to hand his side the lead in the 56th minute.

Pirates threw numbers forward in search of the equaliser and coach Kjell Jonevret opted for a double substitution, bringing on Tendai Ndoro and Thabo Qalinge to replace Ayanda Gcaba and Mpho Makola.

Qalinge had a great chance to level matters minutes after coming on, but the winger placed his headed effort at the backpost wide, despite being unmarked.

Pirates were unable to find the equaliser in the remaining minutes of the second-half to register their 12th loss of the season. The result also saw Wits strengthen their grip at the top of the table, moving three points clear of second-placed Sundowns.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix