Orlando Pirates Reserves were defeated on the road by Stellenbosch, who claimed a 1-0 win in an entertaining DStv Diski Challenge fixture at Idas Valley Sports Ground on Saturday.
Despite the result, the young Buccaneers remain top of the standings halfway through the 2023/24 campaign, with a superior goal difference separating them from their Stellies counterparts who have now drawn level on points.
The top-of-the-table clash began in one-sided fashion as the visitors took time to hit their stride, while the home side seamlessly made forays into the attacking third during the game’s opening moments.
Pirates keeper Zoey Monyepao was instrumental in keeping Stellenbosch scoreless, as he pulled off a stunning save in the 15th minute after going one-on-one with Jaylin Trent.
The shot-stopper replicated his heroics just before the half-hour mark when he kept out what looked like a sure goal on his near post.
The Bucs Reserves began to surge deep into opposition territory late in the first half, but could only manage wayward shots at goal. This was until the 42nd minute when Mohau Nkota linked up with Ndaba, whose effort from point-blank range was deflected out by goalkeeper Dejean Ah Shene.
There was a bit more purpose in Pirates’ approach after emerging from the tunnel, and they had their first chance of the second period six minutes after the restart when Lonwabo Magugwana headed towards goal from a corner, only succeeding in sending the ball looping over the crossbar.
They were immediately made to rue the missed opportunity, as just moments later, Siqhamo Mini managed to worm his way behind the defence before finishing past Monyepao for the opener.
In search for the equaliser, the Buccaneers attacked through the right flank where Nkota sent two shots across goal after cutting inside from out wide.
Monyepao however remained the busier of the two keepers, denying Mini in the 72nd minute before pulling off another excellent stop two minutes later in a joint defensive effort with Mbekezile Mbokazi, who made a superb goalline clearance after the hosts had managed to recycle the ball.
Pirates continued to test Stellenbosch out wide as Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng attempted to spark something up from their respective flanks, with neither finding the target from the resultant shots at goal.
The battle between Mini and Monyepao continued at the other end, where the Bucs shot-stopper again emerged on top as he denied the attacker, who had broken free to set up another one-on-one situation.
Replacement striker Gosiame Ngobeni then went wide with his shot in injury time, followed by an effort on target from the boot of Mofokeng which was saved by Ah Shene. Nkota collected the rebound and looked to have found the equaliser, but the woodwork had the final say.
That proved to be the story of the afternoon for the young Buccaneers, as they went scoreless for the first time since October.
Pirates Reserves XI: Monyepao, Mbokazi, Magugwana, Sibiya (Chibwe 61’), Mohlala, Molepo, Matrose (Mdunge 46’), Dansin (Nxumalo 65’), Nkota, Mofokeng, Ndaba (Ngobeni 58’).
