AB BASSON
AmaTuks’s six-game winning streak in their debut season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) came to an end when they were defeated 3-1 by defending champions Orlando Pirates at Loftus Stadium on Sunday 7 October.
AmaTuks were looking to build on their 5-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town the week before, while Pirates were keen to get back to their winning ways after losing to Bloemfontein Celtic.
AmaTuks got off to a flying start, after a goal from midfielder Bongani Zungu in the 12th minute. Zungu was on the end of a long ball, and slotted it past Pirates’s goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.
Pirates did not have to wait long for the equaliser as striker Collins Mbesuma pounced on a defensive mistake to level the scores in the 25th minute, making the half-time score 1-1.
Pirates started the second half the stronger of the two teams, keeping possession and constantly pushing forward in attack as AmaTuks looked to counter. Mame Niang nearly added to his impressive scoring tally for AmaTuks in the 56th minute.
AmaTuks gave away a penalty minutes later. Andile Jali took the kick for Pirates and sent Washington Arubi the wrong way to give Pirates the lead for the first time in the match. Pirates sealed their victory with a third goal in the 67th minute as Mbesuma scored his second goal of the game.
Steve Barker praised both his team and the opposition after the game. “Credit to my players. We played against the best squad in the league. In the first half we held our own, but we got complacent in the second. I’m full of confidence that we can bounce back.”
With the victory Pirates moved up to second place on the log with 13 points, one point above AmaTuks who lie fourth by virtue of goal difference. Kaizer Chiefs, who go into the international break unbeaten, top the log with 17 points.
AmaTuks next face Bloemfontein Celtic on 28 October at the Botshabelo Stadium at 15:30.
Photos: Kobus Barnard
