Mofokeng's beauty fires Orlando Pirates to victory over 10-man Magesi FC as Soweto giants end 2024 on winning note and keep pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns

As the two teams struggled for a breakthrough, Magesi went one man down when Lehlogonolo Mokone was red-carded six minutes before half-time for a late tackle on Mohau Nkota.

Then right on 45 minutes, Relebohile Mofokeng was sent in a curler from just outside the box to thrust Pirates ahead for his second league goal of the season.

It wasn't Magesi's day amid some drama in the first half's stoppage time when Makhehlene Makhaula handled inside the box but Wonderboy Makhubu missed the resultant penalty kick despite sending Sipho Chaine the wrong way.

Having to make up for their numerical disadvantage, Magesi managed to limit the damage with some spirited defending in the second half as the Soweto giants went home with a slender 1-0 victory.

It was a result that saw second-placed Pirates restore the gap between them and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns to three points going into the New Year, but the former have a game in hand.

Despite ending up on the losing side, Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was outstanding throughout the match.

The Zimbabwean made some excellent saves that denied Pirates a big-margin win and was only beaten by a Mofokeng top-class strike.

After managing to hold Pirates for the better part of the first half and promising another upset, Magesi collapsed after the red card to Mokone and Makhubu's missed penalty.

That leaves the Limpopo-based side stranded at the foot of the log with just six points from 10 games and this complicates their survival bid.

Magesi return in the New Year to resume their fight against relegation with a visit to TS Galaxy on January 4.

On the same day, Pirates will be involved in Caf Champions League duties and host Stade d'Abidjan as they seek to go on top of Group C.