Pirates overcome resilient AmaZulu to advance to the semi-finals.

Staff Reporter.

Orlando Pirates came from a goal down to beat Amazulu 4-2 to progress to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup at the Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was an end-to-end battle, with Pirates securing their place alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals. The final team in the last four will be decided on Sunday after the TS Galaxy versus Chippa United clash.

Pirates started the game on the front foot, pushing deep into the AmaZulu territory inside the opening 10 minutes, but couldn’t find the goal with Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Innocent Maela failing to convert their opportunities.

But it was Usuthu who got the first real chance of the game but Victor Letsoalo’s effort was saved by Pirates goalie Sipho Chaine in the 13th minute of the game.

The visitors continued to control possession and dictate the pace of the game but found themselves behind at the half-hour mark. AmaZulu star Pule Ekstein capitalised on a breakaway opportunity to open the scoring.

Pirates went in search of the equaliser, piling on the pressure and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty decision just before halftime. Taariq Fielies was adjudged to have brought down Makhehlene Makhaula in the box. But replays showed that Makhaula might have already been losing his balance.

Patrick Maswanganyi made no mistake from the spot as he pulled Pirates level. The halftime whistle sounded, and the score was 1-1.

Five minutes later, Pirates took the lead for the first time in the game from a set-piece. Karabo Dlamini left Veli Mothwa rooted to the spot as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Usuthu pressured Pirates and levelled the score at 2-2 in the 64th minute thanks to a Fielies goal.

Substitute Monnapule Saleng came on and headed the ball in the path of Makhaula, who broke the deadlock with a strike from close range to give Pirates an 3-2 lead.

Maswanganyi then added the finishing touches eight minutes before the end to put Pirates in the draw for the semi-finals.

Pirates are set to face AmaZulu once more in a league match on Saturday, April 20th. They will conclude the month with a fixture against Royal AM on April 28th.

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