Orlando Pirates secured a vital 2–0 victory over Richards Bay FC at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night, moving to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings.
The Buccaneers started brightly and were rewarded when Oswin Appollis opened the scoring after a well-worked move. Appollis found the back of the net following a precise assist from Kamogelo Sebelebele, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Richards Bay attempted to respond but struggled to break through Pirates’ defence, while the home side continued to control possession and create chances.
The match took a controversial turn when referee Masixole Bambiso awarded Pirates a penalty after ruling that Tshepang Moremi had been fouled inside the box. However, replays suggested there was minimal contact between the players.
Evidence Makgopa stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly sent Ian Otieno the wrong way to double Pirates’ lead.
Despite late pressure from Richards Bay, Pirates held firm to secure three valuable points.
The win sees Pirates leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the league standings, strengthening their title challenge. Meanwhile, Richards Bay remain in 13th position on the log with 23 points following the defeat.
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