Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result lifted the Buccaneers to the top of the Betway Premiership standings, leapfrogging arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Pirates will now shift their focus to their upcoming MTN8 semi-final clash against Sekhukhune United.
Chippa, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season and dropped to 12th place. The Chilli Boys will look to bounce back when they travel to face Siwelele FC on 25 August.
Pirates dominated the opening half but were repeatedly denied by Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who produced three important saves.
The Nigeria international twice kept out Oswin Appollis, first in the sixth minute and again in the 16th, before tipping Deon Hotto’s dangerous free-kick over the crossbar in the 34th minute.
The Buccaneers finally broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Gamphani Lungu scored his second goal of the season in the 60th minute.
Just four minutes later, Lebone Seema doubled Pirates’ advantage with a well-taken header to put the Buccaneers firmly in control.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou then introduced several attacking players, including Zimbabwean forward Daniel Msendami.
The substitute made an immediate impact, capitalising on a Chippa mistake in the 88th minute to score his first goal for Orlando Pirates and complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
The win gives Pirates valuable momentum heading into their MTN8 semi-final battle with Sekhukhune United, while their rise to the top of the league will further boost confidence ahead of a busy period.
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