/ 24 April 2005

Santos shock Pirates

Unfancied Capetonians Santos upset the apple cart when they beat hot favourites and Premier Soccer League leaders Orlando Pirates 2-1 at the Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday night.

There was no score at half-time.

Pirates, the hosts of the poorly attended match, scored first when Perry Mutapa converted a corner kick taken by Joseph Makhanya in the 57th minute.

But the People’s Team, as the visitors are popularly known, were not demoralised.

They bettered their game as it progressed and were well rewarded for their determination when Zvenyaka Makonese equalised in the 66th minute.

He nodded home from a corner kick, which was taken by Marawan Bantam.

Late substitute Sebastiaan Bax lived up to the expectations of coach Clive Barker when he scored the all-important goal in the 83rd minute.

He riffled home a cracker, beating Pirates’ goalkeeper Francis Chansa hands down.

Santos are now placed 12th with 28 points, while the Buccaneers, who suffered their fourth defeat, still top the log with 52 points from 26 games. — Sapa