Black Aces know only one way and that is up

Mpumalanga Black Aces posted their biggest win of the Absa Premiership season thus far and moved into second position on the log when they beat Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

A penalty from Mabhudi Khenyeza in the 79th minute clinched a memorable victory for Aces who played some of their best football of the season so far. Pirates could argue that they deserved a share of the spoils, but Lady Luck smiled on Aces when an unnecessary handball from Pirates’ Oupa Manyisa turned the match on its head.

Aces coach Clive Barker was ecstatic when the final whistle blew while his counterpart Vladimir Vermezovic had some hard thinking to do after Pirates wasted numerous opportunities as they lacked

killer instinct.

The match started with both teams throwing around a number of short passes on the ground as they looked to catch each other out with neat one-two passes. Pirates had a number of opportunities in the first 10 minutes to open the scoring, but striker Kermit Erasmus hit the upright after kicking a shot in anger.

Aces opened the scoring after

12 minutes with Okonkwo delivering a pin-point free kick that Collins Mbesuma headed into the back of the net. Mbesuma was surrounded by his teammates as one could sense the relief in the air as Mbesuma had finally broken his goalless run.

Pirates upped their game and had a number of scoring chances as they kept pressuring the home team’s defence. However, Oupa Manyisa and Patrick Phungwayo both failed to test keeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

The home team remained in the lead at half-time, but as the second half started the Buccaneers seemed more focused and clinical on attack. Aces had their keeper to thank for preserving their lead after he pulled off a number of stunning saves.

Abia Nale and Collins Mbesuma sustained injuries and had to be substituted with Dennis Masina and Mabhudi Khenyeza coming on respectively to provide some much- needed energy for Aces’ attack.

Pirates also brought on Lehlohonolo Majoro as an impact player and it paid dividends as he calmly converted a penalty to draw Pirates level. Aces were then awarded a penalty as Manyisa handled the ball in the box. Mabhudi Khenyeza stepped up and stroked the ball past Pirates keeper, Senzo Meyiwa.

Black Aces punished Pirates and drowned out every attack they threw at them in the last 10 minutes. It was a case of too little too late for the away team, Aces are now a team to be reckoned with.

Amazayoni’s next match is against the struggling Amazulu at Moses Mabida Stadium on November 1.