Title Slipping Away: 10 Man Stellies Held Buccaneers

 

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Match Recap: Ten-Man Stellenbosch FC Holds Orlando Pirates to Goalless Draw in Betway Premiership Showdown

In a gripping Betway Premiership clash on Tuesday night at Athlone Stadium, Stellenbosch FC showcased remarkable resilience by securing a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates, despite being reduced to ten men.

A Closer Look at the Match

The encounter pitted the second and third teams in the league against each other. Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch aimed to narrow the gap with Jose Riveiro's Orlando Pirates, who were focused on closing in on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, set to face off against the Pirates this coming Sunday.

Orlando Pirates began the match with high intensity, dominating possession early on. Relebohile Mofokeng had the first attempt on goal just nine minutes in, but his strike was comfortably saved by Stellenbosch’s goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke.

Stellenbosch FC, looking to rebound after a disappointing exit from the Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend, struggled to maintain possession. This allowed Pirates to capitalize on several counter-attacking opportunities, particularly through Mohau Nkota, who created problems for the Stellenbosch defense.

Despite the pressure, Tshegofatso Mabasa's attempt on goal in the 28th minute failed to challenge Masuluke.

The match took a significant turn in the 35th minute when Stellenbosch FC was reduced to ten players. Brian Onyango received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Mabasa, leaving his team shorthanded. Following the foul, Kabelo Dlamini nearly put Pirates ahead with a free-kick that struck the crossbar.

At halftime, the score remained level at 0-0.

With a numerical advantage, Orlando Pirates ramped up their efforts to secure a goal after the break. Nkosinathi Sibisi came close in the 55th minute, but his shot was blocked in a tense moment for Stellenbosch.

As the match progressed, opportunities became scarce for Pirates, who sought the elusive breakthrough. Substitute Patrick Maswanganyi’s effort in the 72nd minute was deflected for a corner, and four minutes later, Mofokeng’s attempt was saved by Masuluke, keeping the scores at bay.

In the 78th minute, Mabasa appeared to have scored for Pirates with a header from Nkota’s cross, but he was ruled offside. Stellies managed a rare chance in the 80th minute, as Godswill Kazie unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but Pirates' keeper Sipho Chaine made a vital parry to prevent a goal.

Conclusion: Hard-Fought Point for Stellies

Ultimately, the match concluded in a stalemate, with neither team able to find the back of the net. Pirates remain 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who still have four matches in hand, while Stellenbosch sits a further eight points behind Pirates.

Keywords: Betway Premiership, Stellenbosch FC, Orlando Pirates, Athlone Stadium, match recap, red card, league standings, soccer news, PSL updates.