High-flying Orlando Pirates were brought down to earth by Wits University in a narrow 1-0 defeat in a Castle Premiership match at the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night.
The teams remained deadlocked after a goalless first half.
It was a well deserved victory for the disciplined visitors, who showed total disrespect for the defending league champions.
Etienne Bito’o scored the all-important goal for the disciplined Students in the 68th minute. The Côte d’Ivoire player brilliantly converted a long though ball from Sipho Mngomezulu much to the disappointment of the Pirates fans.
Wits, who registered their 13th win from 26 matches move to fourth position on the log, while Pirates remain in sixth place.
Nonetheless, the wounded Bucanneers, who have now played 27 games, are certain of a place in the top eight bracket.
The game started at a fast pace with both sides threatening to score. Wits were the first to create a chance. Charles Yohane crossed inside the box but Alois Bunjira missed the ball completely and Pirates defender Musasa Mwamba almost scored in his own net.
Benedict Vilakazi then fed Lebogang Mokoena with a defence-splitting pass and the latter rolled back to Vilakazi whose final touch let him down in the 30th minute.
Vilakazi was back in the picture two minutes later but the diminutive attacking midfielder missed a golden opportunity to crown his sterling performance when, with only goalkeeper Wayne Roberts to beat, he fired a tame shot.
Wits, who had the upper hand towards the break, continued raiding Pirates’ backyard in the second stanza. Pirates then made a change — bringing on Steve Lekoelea for Joseph Makhanya.
Andile Cele was also brought on for Bheka Phakathi, who had a disappointing evening. Lekoela almost made an immediate impact with his first touch but his attempt was parried for a corner by Roberts in the 60th minute.
It was just after that close attempt that the Students broke the deadlock. The hosts fought back strongly in search of the equaliser.
Wits defender Neil Winstanley almost netted an own goal but Roberts was alert enough to save it in the 77th minute.
Lekoelea called on Roberts to made another great save in the 80th minute. Pirates upped their game in the dying moments but could not get their way past the stubborn defence of Wits. – Sapa