In emphatic fashion, Orlando Pirates flexed their muscles to dispatch AmaZulu from the Nedbank Cup this weekend. The Soweto Giants’ incredible Cup form showed itself once again as they advanced to the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup after a clinical 4-2 win over Usuthu at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.
Jose Riveiro’s outfit dominated the ball during the early exchanges of the match and probed the AmaZulu defence time and time again. Man of the Match, Patrick Maswanganyi registered the first shot of the game as early as the second minute, with his attempt going high and wide.
The twenty-six-year-old then turned supplier to in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabaso who tested Veli Mothwa. The shot-stopper proved to be resilient and kept his side in the game, during the initial stages.
Despite Pirates having the lion’s share of the attempts, it was the home side that broke the deadlock with half an hour on the clock through Hendrick Ekstein. The former Chiefs man struck a half volley which found its way to the bottom right corner.
The defending champions continued their relentless onslaught and put Pablo Martin’s side under immense pressure after going a goal down. Their equalizer came on the stroke of halftime as ‘Tito’ slotted home from the six-yard spot after Taariq Fielies was judged to have fouled Makhehlene Makhaula in the box.
After the break, Pirates ramped up the pressure and doubled their advantage through Kabelo Dlamini who converted his free kick. The lead only lasted five minutes as Fielies headed home from a set-piece situation. Both sides exchanged blows during the second half, in what was another Nedbank Cup classic!
Pirates’ Cup experience reared itself once again as the traveling side struck twice in the final ten minutes of the clash to run out 4-2 winners. Despite the scoreline indicating that it was a one-sided affair, AmaZulu gave it their all until the final whistle. The sides will do battle once again later this week, albeit in league action.