Ndoro strike gives Pirates victory

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates edged out Free State Stars 1-0 in an Absa Premiership game played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday evening.

The victory sees Bucs stay on position six on the league standings, while Ea Lla Koto also remain 15th on the log.

Bucs nearly grabbed an early goal seven minutes into the game when Luvuyo Memela set-up Tendai Ndoro, who failed to find the back of the net.

However, Zimbabwean striker Ndoro did score in the 22nd minute after beating two Stars defenders and he made it 1-0 to Pirates.

Mpho Makola came close to doubling Pirates' lead on the stroke of half-time, but Stars goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni made a good save.

Bucs goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane produced a great save to deny Stars forward Thokozani Sekotlong 15 minutes after the restart.

With Stars introducing attack-minded players, Thabo Rakhale was pulled out for Bucs defender Gladwin Shitolo in the 82nd minute.

Shitolo and his Pirates teammates were able to contain Stars until the match referee blew the final whistle and the home side won 1-0 on the day.