Pirates devour Hungry Lions
● Orlando Pirates are very much on course to defend the Nedbank Cup after advancing to the quarterfinals of the competition. They were 4-0 winners over first division side Hungry Lions at Orlando Stadium despite a stuttering start.
Lions’ defender Morena Monaheng was unlucky to see his attempted clearance beating his own keeper Glen Baadjies in the 21st minute for Bucs’ opening goal. Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa doubled the lead in the 66th minute as the visitors, who finished the match with 10 men, were pushing for an equaliser.
Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng added the third in the 72nd minute before Mabasa completed his brace with a wonder strike taken just outside the area in the fourth minute of added time.
This was, however, a very scrappy match, especially in the first-half in which Pirates failed to create chances despite having the lion’s share of possession. Lions relied on counterattacks to try and break the Pirates defence but that could not yield any positive outcome for the Northern Cape side.
There was a huge scare in the 40th minute when Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula collapsed on the field after having problems with breathing, and had to be stretchered off. .
It wasn’t clear if Makhehlene who was replaced by Thalente Mbatha was taken straight to the hospital or got medical help inside the stadium.
The second stanza finished in better vein as Pirates took full advantage of having an extra man.
Patrick Maswanganyi, the man-of-thematch in last week’s Soweto derby, Saleng, who scored a brace against Kaizer Chiefs, and Relebogile Mofokeng initially struggled to control the proceedings the way they were expected to.
But once Pirates gained the advantage of an extra man after Lions defender S’bongakonke Gamede was shown a red card in the 58th minute for tripping Maswanganyi, who was through on goal, they gained more control and managed to score three more goals.
What also didn’t help Pirates was the erratic performance fullbacks Innocent Maela on the left and Thabiso Monyane on the right. Both players had spells where they surged forward but their lack of a clinical finish let Pirates down.
But Riveiro will be happy with how his team finished this match and how they utilised their advantage when Lions were reduced to 10 men. Pirates joined Stellenbosch FC, AmaZulu FC, SuperSport United, Chippa United and Pretoria University in the last eight.
The quarterfinalist list will be completed today after clashes between Mamelodi Sundowns against Maritzburg United and D’General who play TS Galaxy.