Orlando Pirates beat Chippa United 3-0 as Stanley Nwabali concedes three

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali endured a difficult Sunday as Chippa United were beaten 3-0 by Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership.

The defeat extended Pirates’ winning run against the Eastern Cape club to seven matches, while Nwabali conceded three goals in a game for only the second time since joining Chippa United. His previous three-goal setback came against AmaZulu FC during the 2025 season.

Orlando Pirates had found it difficult to create a decisive opening during much of the first hour, but broke the deadlock through Zambian forward Ghampani Lungu.

The 27-year-old drove a powerful shot towards Nwabali’s near post. The goalkeeper got a hand to the effort but could not prevent it from going through his hands and into the net, in a moment he will feel he should have dealt with more effectively.

Lungu’s goal maintained his excellent start to his Orlando Pirates career. He had also scored a spectacular effort in the club’s MTN8 victory over Durban City the previous weekend.

Pirates quickly built on their lead, adding a second goal four minutes later from a corner. Defender Lebone Seema rose highest at the back post and headed the ball across goal and into the net, giving Nwabali little chance of making a save.

The goal left Chippa United with a difficult route back into the contest and Orlando Pirates were able to dictate the remainder of the match.

Seema, who was named PSL Defender of the Season last campaign, has made an immediate impression since moving to Pirates. He had not scored during his three seasons in the TS Galaxy first team, but registered twice for Orlando Pirates last season, finding the net against Orbit College and Richards Bay.

The home side completed the scoring with just over three minutes of normal time remaining when Zimbabwean forward Daniel Msendani claimed his first goal for the club.

Msendani took advantage of an error by Chippa United to win possession around 35 yards from goal. He then drove towards Nwabali before calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner with only the Nigerian goalkeeper to beat.

The result further demonstrated Orlando Pirates’ recent control of this fixture. They have now won seven consecutive meetings with Chippa United since the clubs drew 1-1 in 2023.

During that run, Pirates have scored 16 goals and conceded only two, underlining the extent of their dominance over the Eastern Cape side.

The report was published by BSN Sports. Niyi Busari is the publisher and chief executive officer of BSN Sports Concept.