Pirates move to top of Premiership after 3-0 win over Chippa
Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the Betway Premiership standings after a convincing 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers were made to wait for their goals after a goalless opening half, but they found their rhythm after the break to secure a result that lifted them above Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates created the clearer chances early on, with Oswin Appollis twice coming close in the first half. Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stood firm, denying Appollis in the sixth and 16th minutes.
The Nigeria international was called upon again in the 34th minute when he tipped Deon Hotto’s free-kick over the crossbar as Chippa managed to keep the score level.
Pirates eventually broke through shortly after the restart.
Ghampani Lungu put the Buccaneers ahead on the hour mark, giving them the reward for their sustained pressure.
The lead was doubled four minutes later when Lebone Seema headed home to put Pirates in a strong position with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made further attacking changes as Pirates searched for a third, with Daniel Msendami among the players brought on.
The Zimbabwe international made his mark in the 88th minute, taking advantage of a Chippa mistake to score his first goal for Pirates and seal the 3-0 victory.
The result sees Pirates move to the summit of the Premiership, while Chippa fall to 12th after suffering their first defeat of the season.
Pirates will now turn their attention to their two-legged MTN8 semi-final against Sekhukhune United. Chippa, meanwhile, will look to return to winning ways when they travel to face Siwelele FC on 25 August.
