Orlando Pirates fans were left fuming at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday night, after the team blew a 2-0 lead against Stellenbosch FC in a DStv Premier League encounter, to eventually lose the match 2-3.
The Buccaneers seemed to be cruising, dominating the match after they took a two-goal lead before they squandered the lead.
Pirates took the lead through Tapelo Xoki, who converted from penalty spot, after Thabo Moloisane was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Evidence Makgopa doubled the Buccaneers lead in the second half, with a daring finish.
Stellies however staged a comeback with two goals in a space of three minutes from Iqraam Rayners and Devin Titus respectively.
Second half substitute Andre de Jong sealed the win six minutes later.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was left puzzled after the match.
“In situations at least from my perspective on the bench we had the advantage to win the duels, to finish the situation in different ways.
“But I don’t really know what happened, we totally lost control of the game.
“You cannot lose a match at home that you’re leading 2-0 after 70 minutes, there’s no excuses,” said Riveiro.
Stellies coach Steve Barker is however singing a different tune, as the team is unbeaten in their last seven games in the league and recently won the Carling Knockout Cup trophy.
“At halftime, we obviously had a serious chat, I just felt in the first half we weren’t at the races.
“And I just said to them, listen here, we’ve got nothing to lose in the second half.
“Just show more bravery, more courage, get on the ball, play the way we can. We’re champions of the cup recently for nothing,” explained Barker.
Stellies are now third on the log standings, while Pirates on the other hand slipped to fifth spot, after suffering their second loss in a row in a space of a week.
Meanwhile, in the KwaZulu-Natal derby, Amazulu beat Royal AM 3-0 to move to seventh place in the log.
