Pirates go top with 3-0 win after Chiefs and Sundowns share points

By Razeen Gutta

Orlando Pirates moved to the summit of the Betway Premiership on Sunday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chippa United, capitalising on Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns a day earlier at FNB Stadium.

The Buccaneers’ emphatic win lifted them above arch-rivals Amakhosi and now Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will shift focus to a two-legged MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United.

Chippa, meanwhile, dropped to 12th after suffering their first loss of the season. Brandon Truter’s Chilli Boys will aim to respond away to Siwelele FC on 25 August.

The first half at Kings Park was all Pirates, but Stanley Nwabali stood tall. The Nigeria goalkeeper denied Oswin Appollis twice inside 16 minutes and later tipped Deon Hotto’s free-kick over as the teams went in goalless.

Pirates found their rhythm after the break. Ghampani Lungu broke the deadlock on the hour for his second goal of the campaign. Four minutes later Lebone Seema, named man of the match, powered home a header to make it 2-0.

Coach Ouaddou’s attacking changes then paid off. Daniel Msendami pounced on a defensive error in the 88th minute to score his first goal for the club and wrap up the 3-0 win.

On Saturday, Chiefs took the lead through Langelihle Phiri’s first goal for the club before Sundowns’ super-sub Cassius Mailula equalised.

WEEKEND RESULTS

Stellenbosch FC 3-1 Marumo Gallants

AmaZulu FC 2-0 Siwelele FC

Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Sekhukhune United 2-0 Polokwane City

Durban City 1-1 Richards Bay

Milford FC 2-1 Kruger United

Chippa United 0-3 Orlando Pirates

TS Galaxy 0-0 Golden Arrows

Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Source: @kcfcofficial