Orlando Pirates extend unbeaten run with Makgopa and Mabasa on target

Orlando Pirates (2) 2

Makgopa (pen) 19’, Mabasa 90+2’

TS Galaxy         (0) 0

Orlando Pirates stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions with a professional 2–0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership encounter at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Buccaneers went into the clash in Soweto brimming with momentum and quickly put the visitors under pressure. 

TS Galaxy struggled to settle as Pirates dictated play from the opening whistle, forcing them deep into their own half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute after the referee awarded Pirates a contentious penalty. 

Galaxy players protested furiously, but Evidence Makgopa kept his cool to send Ira Tape the wrong way and register his first goal of the campaign.

That early strike gave the hosts confidence as they pushed forward in search of a second. 

However, they were repeatedly denied by Tape, who pulled off a string of superb saves to frustrate the Soweto giants and keep Galaxy in the contest.

The visitors attempted to respond after the interval, introducing striker Junior Zindonga for midfielder Nhlanhla Mgaga to provide a focal point up front. 

Yet while they enjoyed brief spells of possession, Galaxy rarely troubled Sipho Chaine in the Pirates goal.

Instead, Pirates remained in control, keeping the ball moving and probing for openings. 

Their failure to convert chances threatened to leave the door open, but Galaxy could not make their resistance count.

With the game deep into stoppage time, substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa finally settled the contest. 

The striker latched onto a late chance and calmly slotted home to double the lead, ensuring Pirates walked away with a deserved victory.

The result keeps the Buccaneers’ unbeaten run intact and lifts spirits ahead of their Carling Knockout Cup encounter against Siwelele on Saturday.

Galaxy, meanwhile, will regroup as they prepare to face Orbit College in the same competition.