Pirates stay top after narrow win

The midweek Absa Premiership action saw Orlando Pirates claim a vital win to stay in charge of the title race, while the relegation battle remains as tight as ever.

The round opened on Tuesday afternoon with Mamelodi Sundowns riding their luck to defeat Chippa United (thanks to an inspirational performance from Gaston Sirino, who registered both a goal and an assist) and draw level with Orlando Pirates at the top of the table.

The evening games then ended in 1-1 draws, with hosts Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs both needing late equalisers to avoid home defeats at the hands of Highlands Park and Golden Arrows respectively.

Wednesday’s feature game was Pirates winning 1-0 away to Maritzburg United, restoring a three-point advantage thanks to a goal midway through the second half from Vincent Pule. The Team of Choice, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the table and edge ever closer to direct relegation.

SuperSport United and Polokwane City both saw their unbeaten runs come to an end with losses away to AmaZulu and at home to Bloemfontein Celtic respectively, while a key game at the bottom of the log saw Baroka FC twice fight back from a goal down to draw 2-2 at Free State Stars.

This result, along with a 3-1 loss for Black Leopards at Bidvest Wits, means positions 12 through 15 (Stars, Leopards, Baroka and Chippa respectively) are covered by just two points with three rounds of the season remaining (though Lidoda Duvha have a game in hand over their rivals).

The Absa Premiership will continue with seven matches spread over the coming weekend, 26-28 April.

RESULTS

Tuesday 23 April

Kaizer Chiefs 1-1 Golden Arrows

Cape Town City 1-1 Highlands Park

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 Chippa United

Wednesday 24 April

Free State Stars 2-2 Baroka FC

Maritzburg United 0-1 Orlando Pirates

AmaZulu 2-0 SuperSport United

Polokwane City 1-2 Bloemfontein Celtic

Bidvest Wits 3-1 Black Leopards