Orlando Pirates have edged closer to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title after a well-deserved victory over Marumo Gallants in Soweto.
Yanela Mbuthuma and Patrick Maswanganyi found the net in the first half, before Relebohile Mofokeng made it 3-0 late on.
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ORLANDO PIRATES OUTPLAY MARUMO GALLANTS
The home side set the tone immediately, pressing high and controlling the first 10 minutes. In the 2nd minute, Katlego Otladisa rattled the post after Lebone Seema uncharacteristically lost the ball.
Just two minutes later, the breakthrough came. Relebohile Mofokeng delivered a low cross from the right, and Yanela Mbuthuma was quickest to react, tapping in inside the six-yard box. 1-0. That was Mbuthuma’s fourth league goal of the season.
From there, it was total dominance. Gallants barely managed to get out of their box as Orlando Pirates controlled possession completely.
The Buccaneers continued to probe, and in the 28th minute, Patrick Maswanganyi unleashed a shot from outside the box that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net for 2-0.
SECOND HALF DOMINANCE
The second half saw more of the same. Orlando Pirates dominated possession and dictated play, though chances continued to go begging at times.
It wasn’t until the 84th minute that the finishing touch arrived. Mofokeng made a drive run from the left, beat three defenders, and angled a high ball into the top corner for 3-0.
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The win moves Orlando Pirates to 38 points, six clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Coming next for the Soweto giants is a heavyweight clash against the same Sundowns on Wednesday at 19:30 at the FNB Stadium.
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