Orlando Pirates eliminate AmaZulu

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Nov 03, 2018. 20:46

Orlando Pirates defeated AmaZulu FC 3-1 in the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-final match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

As a result, Usuthu were eliminated from the competition, while the Buccaneers booked their place in the semi-finals after securing a win in extra-time.

The two goalkeepers were not tested in the first 15 minutes of the game as the two teams lost possession in the final third.

Usuthu were awarded free-kicks near the visitors' box, but they could not test Bucs goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane from the set-pieces.

The Buccaneers grew into the match and they came very close to scoring three minutes before the half-hour mark.

Thembinkosi Lorch found himself in a one-on-one situation with AmaZulu keeper Siyabonga Mbatha, who made a brilliant save to deny the Pirates attacker.

Lorch did beat Mbatha in the 36th minute when he scored with a low shot to make it 1-0 to Pirates after being sent through on goal by Vincent Pule.

However, the hosts responded with a goal as Bongi Ntuli headed home to make it 1-1 for AmaZulu in the 39th minute with the Pirates defence caught ball watching.

AmaZulu and Pirates were locked at 1-1 during the half-time break.

Usuthu were happy to sit back and launch quick counter-attacks after the restart with Emiliano Tade working tirelessly for the home side.

The Argentine striker's shot went inches wide of the target following a quick move by the KwaZulu-Natal giants 10 minutes after the hour-mark.

Lorch and Justin Shonga had a glorious opportunity to snatch a late winning goal for Pirates in the dying minutes of the game, but the duo failed to punish AmaZulu.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra-time followed in the city of Durban.

It took only three minutes for Xola Mlambo to restore the visitors' lead as he scored with a low shot to make it 2-1 to Pirates.

AmaZulu had to push for forward in search of another equalizing goal, but their defence was exposed and they were punished by Lorch.

The attacker scored with a powerful shot to make it 3-1 to the visitors in the 107th minute - sealing Pirates' 3-1 win in extra-time with AmaZulu hardman Sammy Darpoh receiving a red card in stoppage time of extra-time.

AmaZulu (1) 1 (Ntuli 39')
Pirates (1) 3 (Lorch 36', 107', Mlambo 93')

AmaZulu: Mbatha, Sikhakhane (Ncube 96'), Mabiliso, Ouro-Akoriko, P.Gumede (M.Gumede 78'), Darpoh, Vilakazi, Van Heerden, Sithebe, Tade, Ntuli (Cele 90'+3).

Pirates: Mpontshane, Jele, Munetsi, Mbekile, Maela, Motswari, Mlambo, Pule (Mako 105''), Lorch, Shonga (90'+3), Mulenga (Makola 109').