Orlando Pirates cruise to dominant victory over Chippa United

The Buccaneers came into the fixture with momentum following a midweek win and made three key changes to the starting lineup. Thabiso Lebitso, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa were recalled, replacing Bandile Shandu, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Abdoulaye Mariko.

From the first whistle, the Sea Robbers applied relentless pressure. Within the opening minute, Chilli Boys goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was already called into action, forced to parry Oswin Appollis' dangerous cross away from goal.

The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi capitalized on a Chippa defensive error and slotted home to put the visitors in front. Just two minutes later, Maswanganyi nearly grabbed his second after being set up by Appollis, but Nwabali produced an excellent save.

Despite a brief spell of attacking intent from Chippa, the Soweto giants remained in full control. The second goal came in the 42nd minute when Appollis intercepted a loose pass and laid it off to Deon Hotto, who made no mistake firing in at the near post to double the lead.

New Chippa head coach Luc Eymael, making his debut after replacing Sinethemba Badela, attempted to shift the tide with tactical changes at the break, bringing on Boy Madingwane and Thamsanqa Magwaza. However, his side struggled to penetrate a well-organized Pirates defense.

Early in the second half, Pirates were awarded a controversial penalty after Makgopa was brought down, though replays suggested the foul occurred outside the box. Maswanganyi stepped up but was denied by Nwabali yet again.

Appollis continued to torment the the hosts' defense and nearly scored himself in the 57th minute with a powerful strike that rattled the upright. His persistence paid off minutes later when he turned provider once more, laying the ball off to substitute Tshepang Moremi, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner for his first goal in Pirates colours.

Despite Chippa's efforts to rally, they failed to register a single shot on target, with Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine largely untested throughout. The visitors controlled possession and tempo, effectively shutting down any attempt at a Chippa comeback.

The victory sees Abdeslam Ouaddou's side climb to fifth in the league standings heading into the international break, while Chippa remain rooted in 16th place, still searching for their first win of the season.

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