Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Magopa scores a brace as Polokwane City pay for goalkeeper blunders

Monnapule Saleng gave Orlando Pirates the lead in 10 minutes after the break against Polokwane City.

Monnapule Saleng gave Orlando Pirates the lead in 10 minutes after the break against Polokwane City.

Published Sep 24, 2024

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Substitute Evidence Makgopa pounced on two errors by Polokwane City goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga to secure a 3-0 home win for Orlando Pirates in their Betway Premiership match at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half, Monnapule Saleng gave Pirates the lead in 10 minutes after the break, before Makgopa scored a brace in the last 20 minutes to make it two wins out of two for the Buccaneers in the league.

It’s been a great week for Pirates, following up their Champions League group-stage qualification on Sunday with what was a rather comfortable win front of their home fans on Heritage Day.

However, the win was made a lot easier by a couple of howlers by Polokwane City goalkeeper Sapunga. After getting away with time-wasting in the first half, the shot-stopper had a final 10 minutes to forget.

In the 85th minute, Sapunga tried to parry a long-range shot with his chest, but could only manage to gift-wrap the ball for the oncoming Makgopa, who gleefully accepted the present and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Shortly before the end, Sapunga was caught on his heels when the ball was passed back to him in the penalty area. Makgopa was wide awake, though, and got the ball before the goalkeeper’s swing boot to slot home.

Pirates had many efforts on goal in the first half, but struggled to get an effort on target. And it took another moment of brilliance by the talented Saleng to break the deadlock in the 55th minute.

The Pirates youngster started the move, passing it out to Relebohile Mofokeng on the left wing, before making his way into the box. Mofokeng then rolled the ball into his path, before Saleng turned and fired the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle with a powerful shot.

Orlando Pirates next face Richards Bay away on Sunday, while Polokwane City take host Stellenbosch FC on the same day.

@JohnGoliath82