Pirates fall at first hurdle

AFP, JOHANNESBURG: Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 to SuperSport United Wednesday in the South African Premiership opening round just days after being called one of  the best three African  football clubs.
Recent New Zealand recruit Michael Boxall scored the only goal after 22 minutes of a game that took 17 hours to complete after floodlight failure at a Polokwane stadium late Tuesday.
Play was halted after 63 minutes and resumed Wednesday lunchtime in the northern city at the same ground, one of 12 that hosted 2010 World Cup matches.
Towering right-back Boxall timed his run perfectly off a David Mathebula free-kick to stroke the ball past goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo from close range.
The fatigue of playing four matches in 11 days was evident as often lethargic Pirates looked like equalising only in the closing stages of the match.

Pirates fall at first hurdle

AFP, JOHANNESBURG: Orlando Pirates lost 1-0 to SuperSport United Wednesday in the South African Premiership opening round just days after being called one of the best three African football clubs. Recent New Zealand recruit Michael Boxall scored the only goal after 22 minutes of a game that took 17 hours to complete after floodlight failure at a Polokwane stadium late Tuesday. Play was halted after 63 minutes and resumed Wednesday lunchtime in the northern city at the same ground, one of 12 that hosted 2010 World Cup matches. Towering right-back Boxall timed his run perfectly off a David Mathebula free-kick to stroke the ball past goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo from close range. The fatigue of playing four matches in 11 days was evident as often lethargic Pirates looked like equalising only in the closing stages of the match.