Orlando Pirates brush aside Durban City to claim top spot in title race

The win was Pirates' third league victory in a row and it moved them to 28 points from 12 matches, three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns, who now trail the Soweto giants despite having played the same number of games.

The match started at a measured pace, with Durban City posing the first real danger in the 12th minute through two threatening crosses that flashed across the face of goal but found no finishing touch.

Pirates nearly gifted the hosts an early lead after Mbekezile Mbokazi, who is linked with a move to the US, lost possession inside his own box. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, City failed to punish the error.

Moments later, Pirates took control as Evidence Makgopa opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, netting his second goal in as many matches, with Relebohile Mofokeng providing another well-timed assist, his second in two games.

City kept pushing and were handed another chance before the break following another Pirates defensive lapse. However, Bokang Mokoena fired over the crossbar. Pirates nearly doubled their lead shortly after through Tshepang Moremi, whose volley drifted just over the target after a fine passing move.

City's frustration grew when Moremi dispossessed goalkeeper Darren Keet, only to see his square ball towards Makgopa cleared at the last moment. The hosts were then dealt a major setback when Saziso Magawana suffered a serious injury, forcing play to pause as he received medical attention.

Pirates resumed the second half with purpose, dominating possession while City struggled to regain rhythm. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 76th minute when substitute Oswin Appollis picked out Patrick Maswanganyi, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-0.

The Buccaneers controlled the closing stages, with Yanela Mbuthuma missing a late chance to make it 3â-0. Durban City's evening worsened when Siphamandla Ncanana received a red card, leaving them to finish the match with 10 men.

Pirates now sit confidently atop the league standings, and will head to next weekend's Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants with lots of confidence.

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