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Stars shoot down Pirates

Rustenburg - Goals from Gift Sithole and Ndumiso Mabena helped Platinum Stars down Orlando Pirates 2-1 in their Absa Premiership tie at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Monday.

Sifiso Myeni scored for the visitors as they now sit sixth with 39 points and Cavin Johnson's men occupy third with 47 points.

The contest started on a high note, with the hosts' forward Mabena taking a shot after two minutes and Brighton Mhlongo initially spilled the ball, but later recovered before Thabo Rakhale tried to react swiftly but his effort went wide.

After six minutes, Stars grabbed the lead when Sithole pounced on a loose ball with a low shot in the box after a good corner which Pirates failed to clear.

Two minutes later, Mabena followed up with a great free-kick aiming for the top corner, but it went inches wide with Mhlongo merely a spectator.

In the 14th minute, good football from Pirates ensured they created chances and Ayanda Gcaba laid the ball for the oncoming Sifiso Myeni whose well struck shot was heading for the top corner, only to be punched away by goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela.

Following good interplay and possession by Pirates, Menzi Masuku had a brilliant opportunity to grab an equaliser but he shot wide in the 44th minute.

It was 1-0 at the interval and the return saw Mzimela called to action as he denied Myeni for the second time from Makola's corner.

In the 49th minute, Mabena doubled Stars’ lead when Pirates failed to clear a dangerous cross and the former Buccaneer finished from close range with a clever back heel.

Pirates continued to push forward and Thamsanqa Gabuza was set up by Myeni – the substitute's shot was saved by Mzimela but Myeni was unmarked in the box and scored with 12 minutes remaining, 2-1.

In the last final six minutes, Mhlongo once again came to Pirates’ rescue when he denied Kobamelo Kodisang from close range as the winger received a ball from the right flank.

Although the referee added five minutes, the Soweto giants failed to grab an equaliser as Thabo Qalinge's shot went wide and Stars went away with the three points.

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