DStv Premiership: Sphiwe Mahlangu’s strike the difference as TS Galaxy stun Orlando Pirates

For now, this result thwarted the Buccaneers’ hopes of reclaiming second place in the DStv Premiership standings.

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Pirates faced Saturday’s crucial encounter without key players Miguel Timm and Thapelo Xoki. Xoki, a vital component of the Buccaneers defence, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an impending knee surgery.

Puso Dithejane nearly broke the deadlock within the first ten minutes, forcing Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine into a save.

This early scare galvanised the Buccaneers, who began to dominate possession. Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng were instrumental in midfield, but despite their efforts, Galaxy’s goalkeeper Ntwari remained largely untroubled.

The first half ended without any goals, as both teams were cautious not to concede.

Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro made a strategic substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Thabiso Sesane for Oliseh Ndah to bolster their attack.

The Buccaneers had a golden opportunity to take the lead just after the hour mark. Top scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa found himself one-on-one with Ntwari, but the Galaxy goalkeeper made a crucial save to keep the scores level.

This missed chance proved costly for Pirates.

In the 69th minute, TS Galaxy capitalised on Pirates’ profligacy. Sphiwe Mahlangu, showing his striking prowess, netted his eighth league goal of the season, giving Galaxy the lead. This goal set up a tense finale as Pirates desperately sought an equaliser.

The Bucs came agonisingly close to levelling the score in the final ten minutes. Kabelo Dlamini expertly picked out Evidence Makgopa in the box, but the striker’s shot struck the upright, denying Pirates a share of the points.

The defeat leaves Pirates in third place on the DStv Premiership table with 49 points, just one point behind second-placed Stellenbosch FC.

TS Galaxy, buoyed by Mahlangu’s decisive strike, moved up to fourth place with 43 points, ahead of SuperSport United on goal difference.