In a remarkable DStv Diski Challenge fixture at Rand Stadium on Sunday, Orlando Pirates Reserves delivered a commanding performance, clinching a resounding 3-0 victory against Polokwane City.
Unbeaten Streak Continues
Under the guidance of Joseph Makhanya, the young charges of Orlando Pirates Reserves extended their unbeaten run to four games, amassing an impressive double-figure points tally.
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Early Domination
From the opening whistle, the Buccaneers asserted their dominance, with every initial opportunity unfolding deep within Polokwane City’s half.
Defender Mbekezile Mbokazi initiated the offensive onslaught, narrowly missing the target with a header from a corner in the ninth minute.
He replicated his attempt just three minutes later, this time sending the ball wide of the goal.
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In the 25th minute, striker Mehluleli Maphumulo connected with a superb delivery from the right, flicking the ball just wide of the target.
The Breakthrough For Orlando Pirates
A breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark when Ciniso Mazibuko capitalized on an opportunity down the middle, needing only a single touch to steer the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net.
Pirates continued their dominance and nearly added to their tally six minutes before halftime through Jabulani Mokone, whose long-range shot narrowly missed the upright.
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Moments before the break, the Buccaneers were awarded a golden opportunity to double their lead when Mohau Nkota was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty.
Maphumulo stepped up and calmly slotted home, securing his third goal of the season and giving Pirates a two-goal cushion.
Second-Half Challenge For Orlando Pirates
In the second half, the Buccaneers appeared slow to regain their stride, as Polokwane City sought to stage a comeback.
Goalkeeper Zoey Monyepao was called into action just before the hour mark, making a crucial save to deny a free-kick attempt from close range.
In the 64th minute, Orlando Pirates Reserves had another chance when Mpumelelo Ndaba’s flicked header from inside the box narrowly missed the target.
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Late Drama and Closing Moments
As City enjoyed an extended spell in Pirates territory, Monyepao made one more comfortable stop, keeping the defense on their toes.
The game’s final goal arrived at the other end of the field, just ten minutes from the final whistle.
The Buccaneers swiftly turned possession into a goal-scoring opportunity, with Mpumelelo Ndaba darting from the halfway line to chip the ball past the goalkeeper, sealing the victory.
Late Response from Polokwane
Polokwane City responded with a shot that hit the side netting almost immediately after Pirates’ goal.
However, it was the hosts who enjoyed the majority of attacking moments as the game drew to a close.
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In a fitting conclusion to the game, replacement midfielder Aphelele Nzimande came inches away from scoring his first DDC goal, firing a low shot from the edge of the box.
☠️ FT || @orlandopirates Reserves 3 – 0 @polokwane_city Reserves
🥅 31' Mazibuko
🥅 45' (P) Maphumulo
🥅 80' Ndaba⚫️⚪️🔴⭐#Matchday #Asidlali#DStvDiskiChallenge #OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/6HN1092KO2
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 1, 2023
With this victory, Orlando Pirates Reserves secured their third consecutive win, accumulating a total of 10 points from three games in the DStv Diski Challenge.
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