Share

Pirates beat Celtic to remain in title hunt

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates kept the pressure on Absa Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a 2-1 win over Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The hosts made a bright start to the game but it was Siwelele who almost took the lead as early as the fifth minute.

Mbhazima Rikhotso cut the ball back from the right byline and Jacky Motshegwa's dummy set up the chance for Sepana Letsoalo to strike, but a brilliant last-ditch block from Mthokozisi Dube kept him out.

Bucs took the lead in the 17th minute when Musa Nyatama lost his marker at the near post and headed home a Justin Shonga corner to score against his former club for the second time this season.

Two minutes after the restart, Celtic caught them cold from a corner that goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane failed to deal with, and Lorenzo Gordinho was on hand to tap home.

Veselin Jesulic's side almost completed the turnaround when Rikhotso's cross found Ndumiso Mabena, only for Mpontshane to make a point-blank save.

But the visitors were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes to go when last man Gordinho brought down Thamsanqa Gabuza.

The Soweto giants quickly to advantage of their numerical advantage as Augustine Mulenga rifled the ball home from just outside the box on 78 minutes after a slick one-two with Thembinkosi Lorch.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE