BY: TANA MALINGA

Orlando Pirates delivered a late and decisive blow to Polokwane City on Wednesday night, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory in a tense Betway Premiership encounter at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Buccaneers showed patience and control for long periods of the match, but Polokwane City defended with determination in the first half, frustrating the visitors and keeping the score level at the break.

Pirates eventually found the breakthrough early in the second half when rising star Relebohile Mofokeng finished calmly in the 52nd minute to give the Soweto giants the lead.

Just when it seemed Pirates would comfortably close the match, Polokwane City briefly revived hope. Bonginkosi Dlamini stunned the visitors with a late equaliser in the 86th minute, igniting the home crowd and suggesting the hosts might escape with a valuable point.
But the celebration was painfully short-lived.

Pirates showed their fighting spirit deep into stoppage time when creative midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up and delivered a crushing late winner in the 90th minute. His decisive strike silenced the home supporters and sealed all three points for the Buccaneers.

For Pirates, it was a night of resilience and belief as they continued their strong momentum in the title race.

For Polokwane City, however, the defeat will feel particularly bitter, after coming so close to a hard-earned draw, only to see the points snatched away in the dying moments of the match.