Orlando Pirates Cruise Past TS Galaxy to Keep Heat on Mamelodi Sundowns
Orlando Pirates maintained their pursuit of Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with an impressive 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers produced a disciplined and clinical display, scoring in both halves to secure all three points and remain firmly in the title race.
The home side started brightly and looked dangerous whenever they moved forward. Their early pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Boitumelo Radiopane found the back of the net to give Pirates a deserved lead. The striker showed composure in front of goal as he handed the Buccaneers an advantage they would never relinquish.
TS Galaxy attempted to respond after conceding but struggled to break down a well-organised Pirates defence. The visitors’ frustrations began to show as Mpho Mvelase was booked in the 41st minute, while Pirates carried their slender lead into the halftime break.
Both sides made changes at the start of the second half, with Galaxy introducing Seluleko Mahlambi and Pirates bringing on Tshepang Moremi. The substitution proved to be a masterstroke as Moremi immediately made his presence felt after the restart.
Just five minutes into the second half, Moremi doubled Pirates’ advantage. The midfielder capitalised on the team’s positive start to the half and finished confidently to make it 2-0, putting the Soweto giants in firm control of the contest.
Galaxy looked for a way back into the match but found opportunities difficult to come by. Mlondi Mncwango and Tshepo Kakora were both shown yellow cards as Pirates continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the encounter.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou refreshed his team with further substitutions, introducing Kabelo Kgostlile, Mthiyane and later Evidence Makgopa. The changes ensured the hosts maintained their intensity while limiting any chances of a Galaxy comeback.
The Buccaneers effectively put the game beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Simphiwe Masilela added a third goal. His strike capped off a commanding team performance and gave the Orlando Stadium faithful plenty to celebrate as Pirates cruised towards victory.
While the result was comfortable, the match was not without its physical moments. Pirates players Gamphani Lungu, Thapelo Mokobodi and Masilela all entered the referee’s notebook, while Galaxy collected three yellow cards of their own during a challenging evening in Soweto.
The final whistle confirmed a convincing 3-0 triumph for Orlando Pirates, with goals from Radiopane, Moremi and Masilela sealing the win. The result keeps the Buccaneers breathing down the necks of Mamelodi Sundowns in the championship race, while TS Galaxy are left searching for answers after another difficult outing against one of the league’s title contenders.