Orlando Pirates overcame Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) 4-1 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday to book their place in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.
The ABC Motsepe League side showed fight, going into half time just 2-1 down after a brilliant free kick from Sithembiso Ngobe. Pirates, however, asserted control in the second half, with substitute Patrick Maswanganyi scoring in the 50th minute to ease the pressure on the Buccaneers.
Pirates opened the scoring early. In the eighth minute, Oswin Appollis was tripped in the box by Ngobe, earning a penalty despite protests from the TTM player. New signing Andre De Jong from New Zealand converted the spot kick, sending TTM goalkeeper Lebohang Mohale the wrong way for his first goal in a Pirates jersey.
Seven minutes later, Thalente Mbatha’s long-range effort took a heavy deflection off Sundokuhle Mponzo and found the net, giving Pirates a 2-0 lead. TTM responded before half time, with Ngobe curling a superb free kick past Melusi Buthelezi in the 39th minute to reduce the deficit.
Maswanganyi, brought on by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at half time, scored within five minutes. He combined with Yanele Mbuthuma in a quick one-two before slotting the ball past Mohale. Pirates maintained pressure, with Deon Hotto testing Mohale in the 63rd minute with a well-timed run and a fierce shot.
In the closing stages, Yanele Mbuthuma attempted an overhead kick, but substitute Sipho Mbule sealed the victory with a low, precise finish from distance, completing the 4-1 scoreline.
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