Stellenbosch FC stun Orlando Pirates in DStv Premiership thriller

Making only one change from their previous fixture, Pirates welcomed back Patrick Maswanganyi from suspension, opting to replace Katlego Otladisa. The attacking trio of Thembinkosi Lorch, Karim Kimvuidi, and Evidence Makgopa completed the Buccaneers' frontline.

Pirates asserted their dominance early, with Makgopa squandering a notable opportunity within the first eight minutes, opting for a pass instead of a volley after a lofted free-kick in the box. Deon Hotto came close seven minutes later, narrowly missing the bottom corner with a cracking low shot.

The breakthrough for Pirates came just after the hour-mark when Tapelo Xoki calmly converted a spot-kick, capitalizing on a correctly adjudged handball by Thabo Moloisane.

Stellenbosch, resilient until then, showcased renewed vigour after the break.

Makgopa doubled the lead for Bucs with a deft back-heeled finish, slipping the ball past goalkeeper Sage Stephens from a low cross by Fortune Makaringe to make it 2-0.

However, the Buccaneers paid the price for slowing down their tempo. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back for Stellenbosch in the 69th minute with a well-executed strike, followed by Devon Titus levelling the score two minutes later with a free header.

Despite refreshing their attack with a double change, bringing on Kabelo Dlamini and Vincent Pule, Pirates were caught on the break as Andre de Jong fired Stellenbosch into the lead with a bouncing volley in the 77nd minute.

In the dying minutes, Pirates sought an equalizer, with Hotto almost delivering in stoppage time, but Stephens parried away his free-kick.

Stellenbosch held on for the win, propelling them to third place, eight points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with three games in hand. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates slipped to fifth place.

The thrilling encounter marked an intense conclusion to the year for both teams, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future clashes in the DStv Premiership.

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