Orlando Pirates suffered a third straight DStv Premiership loss after going down 2-1 to Cape Town City on Saturday evening.
A notable change in the Pirates line-up saw Sipho Chaine come in for his first start for the club, while Thabang Monare and Kabelo Dlamini were restored too. For the Citizens, the influential Khanyiso Mayo missed out through injury.
Pirates carved out the first chance in anger on two minutes after Monnapule Saleng cut in from the right to get a shot away, but the winger's attempt sailed wide.
The Buccaneers ultimately went ahead on 20 minutes when Deon Hotto picked up possession outside the area and applied a solid finish beyond City goalkeeper Darren Keet.
Though the lead lasted just ten minutes as City, from their first meaningful attack, levelled after Juan Zapata finished off Lyle Lakay's delivery and opened his account for the host too.
Erik Tinkler's charges looked for a second goal before the break with a one-on-one by Thabo Nodada off a ball in space, but Chaine was able to make the save.
With both sides unchanged for the second half, Pirates almost went back ahead off a flying attempt outside target by Kermit Erasmus though Keet collected.
That was the former City forward's last contribution as he made way for Bafana Bafana forward Evidence Makgopa, who was making his league debut for the Buccaneers.
However, Pirates trailed with just under ten minutes to play after City substitute Darwin Gonzalez arrived in the area and tucked in Marc Van Heerden's first-time cross.
With time running out, the Citizens looked to consolidate their advantage whereas the Buccaneers targeted a response though the host weathered the storm in the end and confirmed victory.
The Citizens moved up to sixth spot with the win, with the Soweto giants dropping to seventh.
Confirmed line-ups:
Cape Town City: Keet, Mkhize, Cupido, Fielies, Lakay, Mokeke, Ambina, Zapata, Nodada, Mdantsane, Mani.
Subs: Mpandle, Lekay, Rhodes, Kajally, Van Heerden, Makola, Daniels, Gonzalez, Goedeman
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Maela, Sibisi, Xoki, Shandu, Timm, Monare, Dlamini, Saleng, Hotto, Erasmus
Subs: Thuntsane, Pule, Martin, Mako, Lepasa, Makgopa, Ndlondlo, Makaringe, Motshwari.
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