Makgopa & Hotto Send Pirates Top With Win Over SuperSport

Orlando Pirates moved to the summit of the league with four wins from four after the 2-0 victory over SuperSport United on Tuesday evening at Orlando Stadium.

The home side, reeling from their 3-2 defeat at the same venue in the Carling Knockout this past weekend to Magesi made sure they eliminated any doubt early one.

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With their first chance of the game, Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa made no mistake prodding the ball beyond Ricardo Goss after being played clean through on goal.

Pirates enjoyed the bulk of possession in the opening half but SuperSport were well in it despite the early goal, with both sides having several goal-scoring chances.

But the major talking point proved to be the last action before the half-time whistle when Pogiso Sanoka went in on Relebohile Mofokeng and was lucky to escape with just a yellow card as his studs rolled over the ball before landing on the player.

Gavin Hunt’s side who were starring at a third defeat in their opening five games fought back valiantly chasing the game in the opening 15 minutes of the second half.

But Pirates held firm and showed their tactical discipline to prevent any clear-cut chances with Hunt rolling the dice with Donay Janse, Ime Okon and Keanin Ayer introduced for Terrence Dzvukamanja, Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Lyle Laky moving to a 3-4-3.

Jose Riveiro responded by bringing on captain Innocent Maela and Kabelo Dlamini, matching the formation change with Deon Hotto and Deano van Rooyen moving to wing-back roles.

It was a late goal by Hotto that cemented the victory, as Pirates continued with their 100% record move top, above Mamelodi Sundowns, who face Royal AM on Wednesday evening at Loftus Versfeld.