Pirates edge Celtic to move second

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

According to SuperSport.com, the victory takes the Buccaneers to second spot on the league standings, while Siwelele slip down to eighth place.

The match got off to a lively start with the Buccaneers pressing Phunya Sele Sele in search of an early goal.

Thabo Qalinge, who has been one of Pirates' best players this season, had a chance to score nine minutes into the game.

However, the dribbling wizard placed his effort across the face of the goal after breaking into the Celtic box.

Celtic goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb was tested in the 16th minute when he finger-tipped Pirates winger Luvuyo Memela's well-taken free-kick over the crossbar.

Pirates were dominating possession and 10 minutes later Thamsanqa Gabuza turned well in the Celtic half, but he placed his long range effort wide of the target.

Phunya Sele Sele tried to apply some pressure on the Bucs defence with the half-time break fast approaching.

However, the visitors' defence which was marshalled by Justice Chabalala stood firm and the score was 0-0 between Celtic, and Pirates at the interval.

Phunya Sele Sele were the better side in the opening exchanges of the second-half as they looked to break the deadlock.

Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic reacted by pulling out Qalinge and he introduced Thabo Qalinge in the 57th minute.

The visitors then broke the deadlock through Musa Nyatama, who fired home from close range to make it 1-0 to Pirates against his former side.

The hosts pushed for the equalising goal and Sredojevic made a tactical change - introducing defensive minded Issa Sarr for an attacker Mpho Makola.

Given Mashikinya had a chance to grab a late equalizer from a free-kick in a promising area in the 78th minute, but he missed the target from the set-piece.

The midfielder was then replaced by Celtic striker Tshegofatso Mabaso in the latter stages of the game as the hosts pressed for a late goal.

However, Pirates contained Celtic and ultimately, the Buccaneers emerged 1-0 winners - ending their six-match winless run in the league.