/ 26 February 2012

Super strike by Pirates’ super sub Benni

Benni McCarthy came on to score a superb late winner as Orlando Pirates defeated 10-man Maritzburg United 1-0 on Sunday and rose two places to third in the South African Premiership.

The 2004 UEFA Champions League winner with Porto struck on 75 minutes via a spectacular bicycle kick following a free-kick that left Democratic Republic of Congo-born goalkeeper Francis Chansa helpless.

Pirates dominated the match at Orlando Stadium in Soweto against opponents who had defender Peter Petersen sent off 17 minutes into the second half when he handled to earn a second yellow card.

Mid-table United thought they had levelled deep in stoppage time when Nigerian Prince Olomu netted from close range after Senegalese Mor Diouf knocked a free kick into his path, but the effort was ruled offside.

Pirates were the only club among the top eight in the table to win this weekend and trail arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs on goal difference, while both Soweto clubs are three points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with 12 games left.

Lowly Platinum Stars ended a nine-match winless run with a surprise 1-0 victory at Bloemfontein Celtic courtesy of a second-half goal from defender Innocent Mkhabela. — Sapa