Soweto – Orlando Pirates secured a 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, moving level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. The win came after the Soweto giants returned to league action following the FIFA international break.
The match started with several early chances for Pirates. Yanela Mbuthuma scuffed a close-range effort in the 10th minute, and Sipho Mbule’s low strike was well saved by Chippa goalkeeper Dumsani Msibi. Mbuthuma had another opportunity in the 18th minute but missed a tap-in from a low cross by Tshepang Moremi.
The deadlock remained until the 74th minute when Evidence Makgopa, introduced as a substitute, found the net after Relebohile Mofokeng set up Deon Hotto, who delivered a precise pass to the Namibian winger at the far post. Oswin Appollis added a late second goal in the 94th minute to seal the win. 
Pirates played without defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is reportedly finalising a R50 million transfer to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. In his absence, captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema formed the centre-back pairing.
Despite a slow tempo after halftime, Pirates created key chances through their substitutes, eventually breaking through Chippa’s reinforced defence.
With the win, Pirates now sit on 25 points, equal with Sundowns, who retain first place on superior goal difference, while Chippa United remain at the bottom of the table.
