Pirates win aerial battle against Galaxy to move closer to African express ticket

Namibian Deon Hotto nodded the winner as Orlando Pirates used aerial power to beat TS Galaxy 2-1 on Sunday in the DStv Premierhsip as they moved closer to CAF Champions League qualification.

Hotto struck on 58 minutes at a packed 45 000-seat stadium in the northeastern city of Mbombela, scoring from close range after fellow Pirates won two heading duels after a corner.

Zimbabwean Terrence Dzvukamanja had put the Buccaneers in front within two minutes of the kick-off when he reacted quickest after a corner and nodded the ball across goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.

Galaxy levelled on 39 minutes with another headed goal following a corner, with captain Spiwe Msimango brilliantly steering the ball over a defender guarding the far post.

READ: SA's Gallants secure CAF Confederation Cup SF spot

Playing away but enjoying the backing of the majority of the vibrant crowd, Pirates dominated possession for much of the match before withstanding a late Galaxy rally.

Mamelodi Sundowns won a sixth straight league title on April 1, leaving Pirates, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs to fight for second spot, and the other Champions League place.

Defeating Galaxy lifted Pirates to 49 points with three rounds remaining, two points ahead of SuperSport and five in front of arch rivals Chiefs.

A likely scenario is that Pirates will finish runners-up, with the penultimate round clash between SuperSport and Chiefs settling third place and entry to the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup.

Galaxy remain 12th, five points above the danger zone, as their winless run extended to four matches.