Orlando Pirates ease past Magesi to close the gap to leaders Sundowns

The result left Pirates second on the Betway Premiership standings with 65 points from 28 matches, just three points behind Sundowns while still holding a game in hand.

Magesi, meanwhile, remained rooted to the foot of the table on 21 points with only two fixtures left in their campaign.

Although the hosts threatened first, their only meaningful opening of the first half arrived in the sixth minute when Khonadzeo Muvhango fired onto the roof of the net. Pirates responded almost immediately and broke the deadlock two minutes later through Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi.

Oswin Appollis initiated the move before Maswanganyi exchanged passes with Evidence Makgopa and surged past five defenders to finish brilliantly for his eighth goal of the season and a second in successive matches.

Pirates continued to dominate possession and chances throughout the encounter. Kamogelo Sebelebele tested the goalkeeper from distance in the 10th minute before finding the net four minutes later after slick interplay involving Deon Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Maswanganyi remained heavily involved, forcing another save in the 28th minute before missing further opportunities later in the half, including one set up by Mofokeng following a rapid counterattack led by Appollis.

Magesi coach Allan Freese responded with a double substitution at the break, introducing Nyakala Raphadu and Tholang Masegela for Kabelo Mahlasela and Sibusiso Magaqa respectively, but Pirates maintained control.

Hotto squandered two second-half chances before Pirates were awarded a penalty around the hour mark after Sebelebele appeared to be fouled. Appollis calmly converted to seal the emphatic win.

Pirates conclude their season against Durban City and Orbit College, while Magesi still face Siwelele and Richards Bay. 

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