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Johannesburg - Classy goals by Thabo Matlaba and Tlou Segolela earned Orlando Pirates a 2-0 Absa Premiership victory over Bidvest Wits in a drama filled clash at Orlando Stadium.
The Clever Boys started the game in a very defensive manner and seemed to have frustrated the home side until a moment of brilliance by Matlaba secured the opening goal.
It was a goal against the run of play in the 33rd minute. Matlaba got the ball just over the half way line and he did not wait too long until firing in a thunderous long ranged attempt, which sailed high and over Ryan Harrison and into the top corner.
After the goal, Bucs got more into the match and began to ask questions of the visiting side, but still the likes of Thomas Sweswe and Aaron Mokoena were getting in some big tackles.
In the 42nd minute Calvin Kadi and Sibusiso Vilakazi combined well, but Pirates were quick enough to stop the potential danger.
Three minutes into the second half Bucs keeper Senzo Meyiwa made his first save of the game from Ofentse Nato.
Nato just could not get enough on the ball to cause Meyiwa any problems.
Then in the 55th minute came the moment of controversy as Wits had a penalty appeal turned down.
Kadi had run through on goal and beat Sangweni for pace. But Sangweni lost his balance and tumbled over and seemed to clip Kadi’s legs and he fell down.
Wits’ technical team were furious and believe they definitely deserved a penalty. So upset were they, that coach Antonio Lopez Habas could not even give a proper interview on TV after the game.
But it was Pirates who scored the next goal. This time, Matlaba supplied the ball for the goal.
It was his pass to Segolela, who found space, and then the winger flicked the ball over the advancing Harrison for another fine goal.
The Clever Boys started the game in a very defensive manner and seemed to have frustrated the home side until a moment of brilliance by Matlaba secured the opening goal.
It was a goal against the run of play in the 33rd minute. Matlaba got the ball just over the half way line and he did not wait too long until firing in a thunderous long ranged attempt, which sailed high and over Ryan Harrison and into the top corner.
After the goal, Bucs got more into the match and began to ask questions of the visiting side, but still the likes of Thomas Sweswe and Aaron Mokoena were getting in some big tackles.
In the 42nd minute Calvin Kadi and Sibusiso Vilakazi combined well, but Pirates were quick enough to stop the potential danger.
Three minutes into the second half Bucs keeper Senzo Meyiwa made his first save of the game from Ofentse Nato.
Nato just could not get enough on the ball to cause Meyiwa any problems.
Then in the 55th minute came the moment of controversy as Wits had a penalty appeal turned down.
Kadi had run through on goal and beat Sangweni for pace. But Sangweni lost his balance and tumbled over and seemed to clip Kadi’s legs and he fell down.
Wits’ technical team were furious and believe they definitely deserved a penalty. So upset were they, that coach Antonio Lopez Habas could not even give a proper interview on TV after the game.
But it was Pirates who scored the next goal. This time, Matlaba supplied the ball for the goal.
It was his pass to Segolela, who found space, and then the winger flicked the ball over the advancing Harrison for another fine goal.
