Andile Jali's rocket was not enough as Tshegofatso Mabasa and Monnapule Saleng responded to ensure Orlando Pirates defeated Chippa United 2-1 in the Premier Soccer League game staged at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
Bucs have had a good start to the season in all matches they have played across all competitions.
The Soweto giants are in the MTN8 final, where they are scheduled to play Stellenbosch. They are also almost reaching the Caf Champions League group stage after securing a massive 2-0 win in the first leg away against Jwaneng Galaxy.
In the six competitive outings, the Buccaneers have not tasted a defeat explaining why they were favourites to get a win against Chippa United who had not played a competitive game.
Jali comes back to haunt Pirates but Mabasa responds
The hosts started the game well, as expected, at home amid cheers from the excited supporters. In the early exchanges, either side created a few chances , but it was the Nedbank Cup champions who looked dangerous.
Jali, who joined the Chilli Boys in the ongoing transfer window, surprised his former team with a goal-of-the-season contender. In the 21st minute, Pirates struggled to clear the ball from their third.
It kindly fell on the advancing former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who unleashed a rocket that was too much for Sipho Chaine.
In the 35th minute, Monnapule Saleng wasted a massive chance to get an equalizer. After dancing past the defenders, he couldn't beat the stranded Stanley Nwabali and he shot straight at him.
Pirates finally managed to get the elusive goal just a minute to the break; Saleng was fouled in the danger zone, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot despite replays suggesting the foul was committed just outside the 18-yard area.
Mabasa stepped up and sent Nwabali the wrong way to restore parity.
Saleng leaves it late to deny Chippa
The hosts were desperate to get the winning goal; which explains why they started the second half with a high tempo.
Bafana Bafana sensation Relebohile Mofokeng had a shot saved in the 51st minute, with the Chilli Boys responding three minutes later but Chaine did his job to ensure that Thabo Makhele's effort did not find the back of the net.
In the 68th minute, Eva Nga was played through, however, Deano An Rooyen, who was making his Premier Soccer League debut in Bucs colours, perfectly did his job to deny him.
Saleng nearly got the second in favour of his team in the 78th minute, but the crossbar came to Chippa's rescue with Nwabali well beaten.
The Chilli Boys thought they had done just enough, but Pirates had other ideas. In the stoppages, Deon Hotto brought in a nice cross from the left and Saleng nodded in the winner to ensure he wins it for his team and secures maximum points.
The next assignment for Pirates will be on Saturday against Galaxy in the second leg of the Caf Champions League's second preliminary round while Chippa United will be up against Richards Bay.
