Bucs win round 1
Helder Pelembe provided late relief for Orlando Pirates as he scored with just three minutes left on the clock to ensure a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium, Soweto, last night.
The victory pushed his side to fourth place in the Absa Premieship standings.
The goal was set up by Thamsanqa Gabuza, whose square ball found the United defence ball-watching, allowing the substitute to score and give the Buccaneers the much-needed three points.
Bucs have now amassed 40 points so far this season.
The two sides meet again on May 3 at Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg, for the Nedbank Cup semifinal clash.
Last night, Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic said his side were emotionally spent after the drama of beating Mamelodi Sundowns at the weekend in the cup.
Chances fell for Mpho Makola in the second half and early on Happy Jele had a header cleared off the line by Reuben Cloete. Jele later went off with a hamstring pull that leaves him in doubt for the next game.
Pirates had early set-piece opportunities as they forced regular corners but they found it hard to break through in open play.
Ajax Cape Town's hunt for a top-eight place is back on track after a 2-0 victory over 10-man Supersport United at the Cape Town Stadium last night.
Amid freezing and windy conditions, Ajax fans were warmed up by goals in each half from Tashreeq Morris and Eleazar Rodgers.
United had Enocent Mkhabela sent off with 20 minutes remaining to compound a miserable night for the Tshwane side.
But a drab first half sprung to life with the final kick as Morris slotted home after United defence had failed to clear a free-kick.
After Mkhabela had received his marching orders, Rodgers added the second goal when he received a Toriq Losper's through ball.
The striker slipped his shot just past Ronwen Williams, ironically just as Simba Sithole was waiting to replace him on the sidelines.
Keagan Dolly almost added a brilliant third when his first-time shot crashed off the crossbar.
But by then Ajax had done enough to see off a Supersport side whose season is fast slipping into oblivion.