Orlando Pirates were rarely troubled as they cruised a 2-0 victory over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
Fresh off the back of a goalless draw with Soweto Rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, the Buccaneers made a flying start to the game and claimed the lead after just six minutes through Mpho Makola before Sifiso Myeni added his name to the scoresheet in the 27th minute. Pirates remained firmly in control after forging a two-goal lead but a lack of cutting edge in the second half meant the scoreline would remain unchanged.
The hosts started the Premiership encounter on the front foot and claimed the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game. Myeni beat his marker on the right-hand flank before whipping in a cross to the danger area, where Makola was well placed to head home.
Chippa were still reeling from the opening goal when Pirates very nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later. Thandani Ntshumayelo played a neat back-heel pass into the path of Oupa Manyisa, who saw his driven effort saved brilliantly by Mbongeni Mzinela in the Chippa goal.
Fresh off the back of a goalless draw with Soweto Rivals Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend, the Buccaneers made a flying start to the game and claimed the lead after just six minutes through Mpho Makola before Sifiso Myeni added his name to the scoresheet in the 27th minute. Pirates remained firmly in control after forging a two-goal lead but a lack of cutting edge in the second half meant the scoreline would remain unchanged.
The hosts started the Premiership encounter on the front foot and claimed the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game. Myeni beat his marker on the right-hand flank before whipping in a cross to the danger area, where Makola was well placed to head home.
Chippa were still reeling from the opening goal when Pirates very nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later. Thandani Ntshumayelo played a neat back-heel pass into the path of Oupa Manyisa, who saw his driven effort saved brilliantly by Mbongeni Mzinela in the Chippa goal.
The Chilli Boys were quick to muster a response, though, with James Okwousa doing well to get on the end of a cross into the box, only to see his header kept out by Bucs 'keeper Brighton Mhlongo.
Pirates again went close to doubling their advantage on 23 minutes, when Kermit Erasmus latched onto a long ball over the top before firing wide from inside the area.
They eventually got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 27th minute, Ntshumayelo the architect once again as he teed up Myeni who turned home the cross from close range.
Having carved out a comfortable lead Pirates were able to see out the remainder of the half with ease.
Eric Tinkler's men continued to create chances after the break, most notably through Kermit Erasmus, who squandered numerous chances to stretch the lead.
The unmarked Erasmus headed over from an inviting Makola cross in the 45th minute before scuffing his shot wide in a one-on-one with the 'keeper on 69 minutes.
Erasmus eventually managed to get a shot on target in the 74th minute but Mzinela was well placed to make a routine save.
That was the last real chance of note in the remaining minutes as Pirates sat back to ensure their clean sheet remained intact.
The result sees Pirates move up to second place in the Premiership standings, 11 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand.
Pirates again went close to doubling their advantage on 23 minutes, when Kermit Erasmus latched onto a long ball over the top before firing wide from inside the area.
They eventually got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 27th minute, Ntshumayelo the architect once again as he teed up Myeni who turned home the cross from close range.
Having carved out a comfortable lead Pirates were able to see out the remainder of the half with ease.
Eric Tinkler's men continued to create chances after the break, most notably through Kermit Erasmus, who squandered numerous chances to stretch the lead.
The unmarked Erasmus headed over from an inviting Makola cross in the 45th minute before scuffing his shot wide in a one-on-one with the 'keeper on 69 minutes.
Erasmus eventually managed to get a shot on target in the 74th minute but Mzinela was well placed to make a routine save.
That was the last real chance of note in the remaining minutes as Pirates sat back to ensure their clean sheet remained intact.
The result sees Pirates move up to second place in the Premiership standings, 11 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who have a game in hand.
By: Farai Diza
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