Orlando Pirates closed the gap at the Premiership summit on Tuesday
night, defeating a resilient Chippa United 2-0 at the Orlando Stadium.
Second-half goals from substitutes Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis
secured a vital win that moves the Buccaneers level on points with league
leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Match Details:
- Result: Orlando Pirates 2-0 Chippa United
- Date: 25 November 2025
- Venue: Orlando Stadium
Dominant Pirates Frustrated Before Break
From the outset, Pirates controlled proceedings, with Yanela Mbuthuma and
Sipho Mbule forcing early saves from Chippa goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi.
Against the run of play, the visitors nearly stole the lead when a defensive
error from Nkosinathi Sibisi let in Bienvenu Eva Nga, but the striker blazed
his effort over the bar.
Chippa, who entered the match at the bottom of the table, defended
resolutely for the remainder of the first half, successfully thwarting the
threats of Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi to reach the break on
level terms.
Substitutes Prove Decisive
The pattern of Pirates dominance continued after the restart, with Msibi
remaining the busier keeper. Seeking a breakthrough, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
made a triple change on the hour mark, introducing Makgopa, Appollis, and
Makhehleni Makhaula.
The tactical move paid dividends in the 74th minute. A moment of brilliance
from Mofokeng found Deon Hotto on the left, who then squared the ball for
Makgopa to tap in from close range and break the deadlock.
Chippa came close to an immediate equalizer, but Sipho Chaine produced a
superb reflex save to deny substitute Asanele Bonani from point-blank range.
Pirates sealed the victory in stoppage time as Appollis curled a strike that
took a deflection on its way into the top corner, ensuring the three points
remained in Soweto.
Lineups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto, Lebitso, Mbatha (Makhaula
60′), Nemtajela, Mbule (Appollis 60′), Moremi, Mofokeng, Mbuthuma (Makgopa
60′).
Subs: Buthelezi, Ndah, Van Rooyen, Maswanganyi, Dlamini, Makgopa, Ndaba,
Appollis, Makhaula.
Chippa United: Msibi, Kammies, Fasika, Majabaidbou, Modise, Mariko, Seabi,
Matrose, Sithole, Figareido, Eva Nga (Bonani 70′).
Subs: Sithole, Mfecane, Hlophe, Ntsundwana, Madingwana, Ndlovu, Bonani,
Gamildien, Magugwana.
