Staff Reporter.
Orlando Pirates advance into the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after they came from a goal down to defeat Maritzburg United 3-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Pirates joins Black Leopards, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Cape Town All Stars in the next round, thanks to goals from Kabelo Dlamini, Deon Hotto and Vincent Pule.
United’s opening goal was netted by former Pirates player Thabiso Kutumela, with some slack defending from Thulani Hlatshwayo drawing Richard Ofori way off his line – the ‘keeper was then caught in possession by Sibusiso Hlubi, before Kutumela swept the ball into an empty net from 30 metres out to make it 1-0.
The Team of choice suffered an injury blow just past the midway point of the first half when Kwanda Mngonyama succumbed to a muscular issue on his left leg and was replaced by youngster Phiwayinkosi Zuma.
Pirates made a positive substitution at the start of the second half, withdrawing the defensive-minded Ben Motshwari for attacking midfielder Kabelo Dlamini.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic man duly drew the visitors level on 56 minutes with a shot from just outside the ‘D’ which deflected off Clayton Daniels and had the beating of Marcel Engelhardt.
A minute late Pirates claimed the lead to complete a stunning turnaround: an attack down the right flank put Linda Mntambo into space and his ball across the face of goal was turned home at close range by Hotto to make it 2-1 in favour of the Soweto giants.
The game looked to be in the balance heading into the closing stages, but Pirates struck a killer blow on 78 minutes when Dlamini’s effort was palmed away by Engelhardt, but only as far as Pule, who showed great composure to beat the ‘keeper at his near post and make it 3-1.
Meanwhile Black Leopards have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup after defeating AmaZulu 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday afternoon.
Ghanaian striker Mohammed Anas scored the only goal of the game as Lidoda Duvha brought Usuthu’s recent run of good form under coach Benni McCarthy to an abrupt end.
Nedbank Cup Last 16 Fixtures:
Sunday, 28 February
Pretoria Callies vs JDR Stars -15:00
TS Sporting vs Richards Bay – 15:00
Chippa United vs Cape Town City – 18:00
Wednesday, March 10
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Polokwane City – 15:00.