DStv Premiership: Orlando Pirates battle to narrow win over TS Galaxy

The decisive goal came from Namibian international Deon Hotto, who scored a thunderous free-kick.

This victory marks the Buccaneers' second consecutive league win after their recent success against Moroka Swallows.

The Pirates, inconsistent this season, are now just one point behind SuperSport United and Stellenbosch, trailing Cape Town City by two points. However, they find themselves eight points behind the log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

For TS Galaxy, the defeat poses a challenge as they prepare for the Carling Knockout final against Stellenbosch on Saturday, 16th December.

This setback has dropped Galaxy to the fifth position from the bottom on the log, requiring coach Sead Ramovic to motivate his players for the upcoming final.

Pirates' coach, Jose Riveiro, maintained a consistent starting line-up for the third consecutive time, with Fortune Makaringe again playing at right-back.

In a surprising move, Ramovic excluded influential captain Mlungisi Mbunjane from the starting line-up, introducing him only in the second half.

The match saw Pirates' goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi making crucial saves, denying Galaxy's early attacks.

Despite a setback with the injury-enforced withdrawal of Vincent Pule, Pirates persevered, and Hotto's goal after 25 minutes proved to be the difference.

READ MORE: Bournemouth outplay Man Utd to make history at Old Trafford