Johannesburg - Two well-taken second-half goals by Kudakwashe Mahachi and Gladwin Shitolo of Lamontville Golden Arrows saw Orlando Pirates suffer a 2-0 defeat in their Absa Premiership encounter held at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
Pirates were better in the opening stages but missed a glorious opportunity when Kermit Erasmus received a great pass from Happy Jele in the 08th minute as his shot was off target with Arrows goalkeeper Maxmillian Mbaeva and his defence beaten.
In an aim to respond a minute later, Abafana Bes'thende were presented with a golden chance but Mahachi wasted as he saw his shot going straight to Siyabonga Mpontshane.
After 20 minutes, Pirates could not capitalise on a great shot by Thabo Matlaba but credit must go to Mbaeva who was well positioned to make a save. Arrows were brave and strong in defence. Their Namibian keeper again made saves to deny Erasmus and Luvuyo Memela following excellent passes by Matlaba on the right.
The Buccaneers were not so clinical in the final third, as Mbaeva produced a number of fine saves to ensure his side's defence was intact when the halftime break dawned.
Although Pirates showed urgency to get the opening goal, it was the visitors who grabbed the lead first through Mahachi in the 52st minute when he broke free following a pass by Nkanyiso Cele on the left and beat goalie Siyabonga Mpontshane on his left post (1-0).
Eric Tinkler introduced Lehlohonolo Majoro for Thamsanqa Gabuza but Mabeva continued to deny the Sea Robbers when he held on to a shot delivered by Gift Motupa in the 66th minute as the Buccaneers were under pressure to grab an equaliser.
Ponce again, Majoro was denied by Mbaeva in the 75th minute after a great run behind the defence following a pass from Memela. With just eight minutes to go, the PSL returnees doubled their lead when Shitolo unleashed a powerful shot in the penalty area from a cross from Mahachi to beat Mpontshane (2-0).
Pirates last won a league match back in August against Chippa United and will go to the Soweto derby to face rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, this weekend placed at position 13 with five points on the log. Letsoaka's Arrows sit at the seventh spot with 14 points. -ANA