Pirates bounce back after African jolt

Orlando Pirates bounced back from a stunning CAF Champions League loss last weekend to edge Platinum Stars 4-3 today in a South African Premiership thriller. The Buccaneers led, trailed, netted thrice in 11 minutes and conceded a stoppage-time goal before goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs ensured maximum points for the visitors by pushing away a goal-bound shot with seconds left. Pirates went into the match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in north-west town Rustenburg under a cloud after a 3-1 first leg loss to Angolan club Recreativo do Libolo in a Champions League first round qualifier three days ago. They took the lead when Innocent Mkhabela headed into his own net and Siyabonga Sangweni and substitutes Tokelo Rantie and Benni McCarthy netted in a late scoring burst for the defending champions. Sibusiso Msomi, Mduduzi Nyanda and ex-Pirates Lucas Thwala were on target for Stars, who are just two points above the danger zone, while Pirates moved within five of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. There was also drama in northern city Polokwane with Nigerian Joshua Obaje snatching a stoppage-time equaliser as bottom-of-the-table Black Leopards salvaged a 2-2 home draw against mid-table Bloemfontein Celtic.