Josephs: On song for Pirates

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Platinum Stars 3-4 Pirates

Orlando Pirates came back from a goal down to beat Platinum Stars 4-3 in an action-packed PSL clash at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Bucs enjoyed the majority of the possession early on in the clash, but it was Dikwena who came closest to opening the scoring.

A cross from the left flank found Mduduzi Nyanda in the area and his shot forced a reflex save from Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who was busier in the first half than he would’ve liked.

The gloveman pulled off a stunning double save around the half-hour mark when Elias Ngwepe counter-attacked to set up Nyanda and then Lindokuhle Mbatha, but both attempts were denied by the Bucs keeper.

The opening goal finally came in the 31st minute when a Pirates corner was glanced into the back of the hosts’ goal by their own player, Innocent Mkhabela.

However, Stars responded with a goal of their own only four minutes later as Henrico Botes set up Sibusiso Msomi, who ran onto the ball before smashing it past Josephs and into the bottom corner of the Bucs goal.

Dikwena took the lead in the 68th minute as Nyanda surged into the Pirates area before cutting his shot across Josephs and into the far bottom corner of the net.

However, Bucs fought back with vigour as they equalised eight minutes later through Siyabonga Sangweni, who headed home Dikgang Mabalane’s cross while unmarked in the Stars area.

Only three minutes later, the visitors were in front. Substitute Tokelo Rantie netted from close range after Benni McCarthy put him through on goal.

By this time the Stars defence had crumbled and let in a fourth in the 86th minute when McCarthy steered his header past Mpontshane to secure the points.

Despite the scoreline, Josephs was Bucs’ stand-put performer and made a number of crucial saves throughout the game which kept his side in the running. He also saved a stoppage-time free-kick and a late strike which would have levelled matters.

However, Stars only netted a consolation goal in stoppage time through Lucas Thwala as they slumped to defeat.