Patosi strike sends Bucs out of Cup
Pirates can’t see light to last eight in foggy Cape
Cape Town City became the last team to book their berth in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after beating Pirates for the first time in their history at a misty Cape Town Stadium last night.
Ayanda Patosi’s solitary strike early in the second stanza broke the hearts of the Buccaneers in the Ke Yona competition’s second round, sending City to the last eight. Patosi scored following brilliant work down the left flank by Bradley Ralani.
The defeat means Orlando Pirates’ run of successive Nedbank Cup finals came to an end, after they lost the past two championships to SuperSport United.
The visitors nearly drew the first blood as early as the seventh minute but Justin Shonga saw his effort, from outside the box, hit the woodwork.
Shonga’s chance proved a wake-up call for the hosts because two minutes later, Patosi tested Siyabonga Mpontshane with a long-range shot, but the Buccaneers’ shotstopper was equal to the task.
Immediately after conceding in the foggy weather, the Sea Robbers made a double substitution. Thabo Matlaba and Bernard Morrison replaced Thabo Qalinge and Augustine Mulenga. Morrison was an instant threat but his header was cleared off the line by Teko Modise, the excellent City veteran who was also named man of the match.
Bucs had made three changes from their 3-1 derby win over Kaizer Chiefs early this month with Marshall Munetsi, Mulenga and Qalinge starting ahead of Gladwin Shitolo, Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Morrison.
City mentor Benni McCarthy made wholesale changes from their last match against Costa do Sol in the CAF Confederation Cup last week. Only Patosi, Robyn Johannes and Sage Stephens were retained.
Pirates will now shift their focus to their league title chase. They next face Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday (8.15pm), while City host Mozambican side Costa do Sol in the return leg of the Confederation Cup at Cape Town Stadium.
The draw for the Nedbank Cup last eight will be conducted today at 7pm.