Orlando Pirates failed to make up ground on the DStv Premiership leaders after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United on Tuesday evening.
Pirates named four changes from the goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in Thapelo Xoki, Paseka Mako, James Monyane and Kabelo Dlamini.
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Very little separated the two earlier on, but the Buccaneers presented the more promising spells through a looping header by Zakhele Lepasa and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo's rasping shot.
Babina Noko sprung to life near the half-hour mark and almost had the lead through a half-volley on the edge of the area by Linda Mntambo, but Richard Ofori produced a tremendous save.
Sekhukhune launched more threats within seconds as Daniel Cardoso's snap shot from a loose ball on the cusp of the area forced another strong save from Ofori.
The early stages did not provide a lot of openings for the Buccaneers, but Ofori was called upon to thwart a promising effort by his former teammate Mntambo once again.
The Buccaneers were reduced to ten players 12 minutes inside the second period after Monyane received a second yellow card for a poor challenge.
Pirates still showed courage and purpose midway into the second half and a decent shot on the curl by Lepasa had Sekhukhune goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare in a spot of bother.
Changes from the visitors too followed, as Deon Hotto replaced Ndlondlo before Mako dropped out for Bandile Shandu whilst Kermit Erasmus filled in for Lepasa, a change which almost paid off as the former Mamelodi Sundowns striker fired over the crossbar after being set up by the Namibian winger.
Babina Noko recovered and made their numerical advantage count with three minutes to go as Elias Mokwana finished off a ball from Mntambo with a neat finish.
Pirates pushed for the equaliser in the dying minutes, but Babina Noko made the points safe when Vusimuzi Mncube managed to take the ball of Ofor before firing into an empty net.
Confirmed line-ups:
Sekhukhune United: Sangare, Mobbie, Ntiya-Ntiya, Cardoso, Gyimah, Seabi, Mabasa, Mntambo, Mncube, Shai, Letsoalo
Subs: Mtsweni, Mkhabela, Motsepe, Kabwe, Mahlangu, Leepile, Mokwena, Masina, Makhubu.
Orlando Pirates: Ofori, Xoki, Sibisi, Maela, Mosele, Timm, Mako, Monyane, Ndlondlo, Dlamini, Lepasa
Subs: Mpontshane, Erasmus, Pule, Mthethwa, Shandu, Hotto, Saleng, Makgaka, Motshwari
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