Snl24 | Pirates’ match winner: We didn’t give up
Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal during the CAF Champions League, First Preliminary Round, 2nd Leg match between Orlando Pirates and Disciples FC at Orlando Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
(Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Flying winger Monnapule Saleng has opened up on his Man of the Match performance during Orlando Pirates’ first league game of the season against Chippa United.
Pirates are known as cup specialists having won four trophies in the last two seasons, but it is the league title that the Ghost are craving for, and they would have been weel pleased with Wednesday’s result at Orlando Stadium, a 2-1 victory.Â
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There was a big scare when the visitors opened the scoring through a former Bucs star, Andile Jali, before the Soweto giants responded just before half-time via a penalty kick from Tshegofatso Mabasa after Saleng was fouled while making a run with the ball into the box.Â
The second half was another tightly contested affair and the encounter looked destined for a draw, until Saleng headed home a beautiful Deon Hotto cross past Stanley Nwabali to secure all three points.
“I’m happy we won the first game of the league, especially home,” Saleng told SuperSport TV after the match.
“We got a lot of chances and they just wouldn’t go in, but we didn’t give up. We kept pushing until we got the goal.
“Since the first half, we didn’t give up. We fought with one spirit as a team.”Â
The victory takes the Soweto giants to fourth place on the Betway Premiership table after matchday one and level on points with rivals Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City.
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They also have a chance to secure a spot in the CAF Champions League group stages should they avoid defeat by a two-goal margin against Jwaneng Galaxy in the second leg of the second preliminary round.
“This win was important because Saturday we are going to play a CAF Champions League match. It gives us that boost that we go there with that winning spirit, that we don’t go there with our heads bowed because of a loss.”
The match is at Orlando Stadium, kicking off at 18:00.
