Makgopa and Maswanganyi Excel in Orlando Pirates Crucial Victory Over Stellenbosch
This match stands out as one of the toughest remaining fixtures in the league for them as they aim to secure victories to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns leading the standings.
Below are the key highlights from the encounter.
Boost for the forward line
Orlando Pirates struggled early on yet managed to take the lead just before halftime and the recalled player netted the opener.
Discussions have swirled around the ideal starting striker for Pirates with Yanela Muthumba featuring prominently lately.
Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos expressed surprise at Evidence Makgopa being benched and the tall striker may have validated that view by scoring the teams initial goal.
Patrick Maswanganyi curled in a free kick and Makgopa outjumped the Stellenbosch backline to direct a header past the keeper.
In his return to the starting lineup after two months Makgopa claimed his seventh strike across all tournaments this season.
Repeat performance
The score became 2-0 shortly after and once more the duo played pivotal roles in the scoreline.
On this occasion Maswanganyi whipped in a delivery and Makgopa contested aerially with Stellenbosch custodian Sage Stephens.
This seemed to unsettle the shot stopper allowing the ball to drift over the line apparently without contact.
Credit goes to Maswanganyi for the strike marking a positive outing for someone who has also rotated in and out of the first team recently.
It marked Maswanganyis first appearance in the lineup for two months and he now boasts nine goals alongside four assists in every competition this term.
Stellenboschs misfortune
Stellenbosch nearly clawed one back with quarter of an hour to play potentially sparking a tense finish.
Devin Titus sent in a superb driven pass from the flank and Genino Palaces contact appeared destined for the net. Rather it clipped the post and cleared to security.
Palace has found the net regularly of late. Across 140 top flight outings he has just six tallies yet three arrived in the preceding five matches.
What now for the title race
Pirates have narrowed the deficit to two points behind Sundowns with three outings apiece remaining.
Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs at home on Wednesday and Pirates will hope their fierce opponents deliver a significant boost.
Sundowns host strong performing Siwelele on Saturday before wrapping up at TS Galaxy the following Tuesday a week ahead. Success in all three would see them lift the trophy.
Pirates head to Magesi on Saturday welcome Durban City on May 16 and conclude versus struggling Orbit College on May 23.
Pirates better goal margin acts like an extra point so they seek at minimum a stalemate for Sundowns. Victory in their last three would then seal the crown.