Orlando – Orlando Pirates produced one of their finest performances of the season to dispatch SuperSport United 4-1 in their Premiership match at Orlando Stadium.
The Sea-Robbers went a goal down just after the quarter hour mark, but two minutes before the break equalised through Menzi Masuku before Kermit Erasmus added a second.
Trailing after leading for much of the first stanza, SuperSport had no answer for the scintillating play of Pirates in the second half with Masuka grabbing his brace and Sifiso Myeni putting the contest beyond doubt.
With the three points, Pirates move to 48 points and level with Mamelodi Sundowns but behind on goal difference.
The defensive frailty of the Buccaneers took centre stage in the opening stages as the visitors were gifted a goal. Thuso Phala took advantage of a lapse in the Pirates defence, where he was allowed to run into space in the box and slotted home the opener in the 16th minute for SuperSport.
While Pirates were guilty of poor defending early on, their strike force more than made up for their shortcomings as the game progressed.
Masuku pulled a goal back for the hosts in the 43rd minute. In a goal-mouth scuffle Masuku was on the end of a loose ball to head the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Erasmus completed the first half turnaround for the Soweto giants in injury time. From a swift counter-attack, the cross drew out SuperSport keeper Ronwen Williams and Erasmus was able to win the ball and take a 2-1 lead for the home side.
Masuku scored a wonder goal in the 55th minute to secure his brace and grab a 3-1 lead for Pirates. From just inside his own half, the fiery 22-year-old went on a swerving, pacy run and reeled off a thunderbolt strike from long range as Williams was reduced to an awestruck spectator.
Pirates claimed a three goal advantage in the 62nd minute. SuperSport were caught a man short at the back from a Pirates counter-attack, with the final ball falling to Myeni who drilled the ball home for an emphatic 4-1 scoreline. – ANA