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Pretoria - Orlando Pirates bounced back to sink Mpumalanga Aces 1-0 in their MultiChoice Diski Challenge clash Tuks Stadium on Saturday, the supersport.com website reports.
The young Buccaneers had suffered their first defeat in their last match against Bidvest Wits. The win puts them back on top of the standings, depending on the result of between Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United.
For the first time in the competition, coach Augusto Palacios brought players from the first team in the squad - with Tlou Segolela captaining the team. Goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, Khethokwakhe Masuku and Lehlohonolo Masuku were the other stars from the senior side.
Pirates, who dominated proceedings from the start, had to wait until the 39th minute to break the deadlock. Segolela led from the front as he slotted the ball into the net, beating goalkeeper Cyril Mollo.
They could have scored more as the experience of Masuku and Segolela made them dangerous in attack, but they went into the break leading by the solitary goal.
Aces managed to find their rhythm in the second half, creating a couple of chances as well. The best chance fell to overlapping defender Aubrey Modiba whose shot narrowly missed the target with Mhlongo well beaten.
Segolela more three more good chances to add to the Buccaneers lead; his first shot hit the upright, while the other went over the bar. He then went one-one with the keeper after being put through, but he chose to pass to Menzi Masuku on the left - which proved to be a wrong option has the defence cleared.
Pirates face Platinum Stars, who are still without a win, on Sunday. Ace will tackle Free State Stars, who suffered a 6-2 loss in their last match.
