SOUTH Africa: Orlando Pirates secured their second win in a row under Augusto Palacios after a 1-0 Absa Premiership victory over Free State Stars at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
After an opening 20 minutes in which the home side created the better openings, Tendai Ndoro gave the Buccaneers the lead with a fine finish on the turn in the 22nd minute, latching onto a loose ball and lashing it into the bottom-right corner with his left foot.
Pirates continued to dominate proceedings for the remainder of the game but could not add to the scoreline, with goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni in fine form in the Ea Lla Koto goal.
Stars were not without their own chances as Nyiko Mobbie and Moeketsi Sekola failed to convert opportunities, but a draw would have been harsh on the Buccaneers, who really pushed for a second goal in the last 20 minutes.
Ndoro had a big chance to get the second goal in the 72nd minute but Thembela Sikhakhane’s cross from the right channel was slightly behind the striker, who would have had a tap-in.
Four minutes later Ngobeni made a good diving save to keep out Justice Chabalala from Mpho Makola’s corner-kick, and he denied Ndoro again in the 85th minute when the Zimbabwean made space for a shot from a right angle.Advertisement