Orlando Pirates moved closer to winning their Castle Premiership title when they defeated bottom club African Wanderers 2-1 in a drama filled clash played at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Wednesday night.
Pirates led 2-1 at half-time.
The Buccaneers were reduced to 10 men in the 23rd minute when referee Ace Ncobo sent off Pirates captain and key defender Mbulelo Mabizela for head-butting Wanderers striker James Mothibi.
It was Mothibi who sprung a major surprise when he headed Wanderers into the lead after 11 minutes. Pirates drew level when Hleza Mofedi headed home Mabizela’s well aimed free kick in the 18th minute.
After Mabizela was sent for an early shower, Pirates started to show more urgency and took the lead in the 38th minute with a well taken goal scored by striker Jimmy Kauleza.
With just 10 men Pirates were far too good for already relegated Wanderers. But Bucs strikers Lesley Manyathela and Kauleza missed sitters in the 71st and 78th minutes respectively.
With seven minutes to play, Manyathela again got the better of the disjointed Wanderers defence but when he had the goal at his mercy he shot wide of the target.
Pirates now head the log with 59 points and need only one point from their remaining two fixtures to clinch the championship. – Sapa