A stoppage time Monnapule Saleng goal saw Orlando Pirates walk away with all three points from their Betway Premiership opener as they beat Chippa United 2-1 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday night.
Tshegofatso Mabasa’s first half penalty and Monnapule Saleng’s last gasp goal saw Pirates make the perfect start to the season after head coach Jose Riveiro challenged his charges to one step further in the title race.
In the early stages, Pirates had the bulk of the ball possession, and could have gone in front after a surging run down the right by new signing Deano van Rooyen created an opening for Mabasa.
Saleng to the rescue ☠⚽
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) September 18, 2024
Pirates are off to a winning start thanks to this goal 👇#BetwayPrem | #Betway_za pic.twitter.com/q7ZqwN7Q6j
The ball was, however, cut out by Stanley Nwabali in the Chippa goal.
At the other end, Craig Martin’s shot was blocked by Sipho Chaine, but the ball was teed up perfectly for Andile Jali, who buried it past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
Pirates would make it 1-1 on the stroke of half time when Mabasa converted his spot kick after Saleng had been pulled down in the box by Malebogo Modise.
After a quiet second half, the game suddenly came to life with 15 minutes left when Mabasa and Saleng both had an opportunity to put Pirates ahead. Mabasa’s mishit his shot at goal, while Saleng struck the upright.
With both teams looks like they were settling for the point, Deon Hotto delivered a beautiful cross into the box from out on the left, and Saleng rose highest to nod it past Nwabali to hand the Sea Robbers all three points.
☠️ FT | @orlandopirates 2 - 1 @ChippaUnitedFC
⚫⚪🔴⭐#Matchday#BetwayPrem #OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/spwruLp4Ew
In Cape Town, Stellenbosch FC were brought back down to Earth as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Golden Arrows.
Second half goals by Siyanda Mthanti and Lungelo Nguse were enough to see the Durban side walk away from the encounter with a win.
At the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Sekhukhune United secured a narrow 1-0 win against newly promoted Magesi. Sekhukhune’s goal came courtesy of Andy Boyeli on the stroke of half time.
IOL Sport