Menzi Magubane
Orlando Pirates could miss out on a CAF Champions League spot for next season after losing 1-0 to TS Galaxy in their DStv Premiership match-up on Sunday afternoon.
Bucs conceded a goal after only three minutes after Masilakhe Phohlongo latched onto a looping cross into the area to head beyond keeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The Sea Robbers were unlucky not to go level in the 26th minute, after a first-time shot at the near post by Gabadinho Mhango from a corner came off the outside post.
Pirates were then dealt a blow right on the half-hour mark when Abel Mabaso got a second yellow card for a tackle from behind on Lindokuhle Mbatha.
This led the visitors to change tact in the remaining six minutes of the first-half when Siphesihle Ndlovu was introduced in the place of Nkanyiso Zungu.
The Rockets were also reduced to ten players a minute from the break, with Given Msimango also handed a second yellow after a handball.
Galaxy were living dangerously five minutes in, as Mhango charged down a ball from Hotto to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Marlon Heugh, but he couldn’t profit in the end.
The Buccaneers continued to pile the pressure moments thereafter as a rasping shot outside the box from Jooste forced Heugh to perform an acrobatic palm away.
Pirates didn’t stop troubling and continued to push for the equaliser as substitute Lorch dragged a loose ball wide from inside the area.
The threats didn’t unsettle the Rockets as they kept the Buccaneers at bay to claim the win and eighth place.
Image source: @OrlandoPirates
