Bucs Punish Lions To Keep Nedbank Cup Defence Alive

Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 triumph over Hungry Lions on Saturday evening.

Nedbank Cup

Result: Orlando Pirates 4-0 Hungry Lions

Date: 16 March 2024

Venue: Orlando Stadium

Pirates had a new back-line, with only Tapelo Xoki remaining from the win over Kaizer Chiefs, as goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Monyane and Innocent Maela were recalled.

Hungry Lions surprisingly played a high line against the Buccaneers, who had a few openings from through balls but they were caught offside.

The Soweto giants' pressure eventually paid off on 20 minutes after Morena Monareng's attempted clearance off his knee looped over goalkeeper Tumelo Baadjies and into his own net.

Jose Riveiro's charges slowed down the tempo of the game after that, looking to draw out Lions out of their half, with prolonged spells of possession.

Ditau Dia Rora broke out of their defensive shell towards the end of the first stanza after Raymond Daniels went through on goal and fired a shot in the box that was smothered by Buthelezi.

There was a long stoppage in the tail end of the first stanza after Pirates midfielder Makhehle Makhaula needed medical attention and he was stretchered off the field with oxygen apparatus and replaced by Thalente Mbatha.

The Buccaneers started the second stanza on the front foot and with the pace of the game increasing, Lions, on the hour-mark were reduced to ten men after S'Bongakonke Gamede was shown a straight red card for bringing down Saleng, who was through on goal.

Pirates found more spaces going forward as moments later Mabasa doubled their lead with a strike that went in off the post after a through ball by Mbatha.

Riveiro's men were threatening to run riot and with 18 minutes to go, Monnapule Saleng put the result beyond doubt with a right-footed shot in the box after he was setup through on goal by Mabasa.

The Sea Robbers were comfortable in the dying minutes but they were threatening to get more goals as Mabasa made it 4-0 and grabbed his brace in added time with a stunning volley that found the top corner.

Here's how they lined up:

Orlando Pirates: Buthelezi, Xoki, Sibisi, Maela, Monyane, Makhuala, Timm, Saleng, Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Mabasa

Subs: Ofori, Thalente, Mthethwa, Marou, Kimvuidi, Kapinga, Dlamini, Ndlondlo, Hotto

Hungry Lions: Baadjies, Monaheng, Mogotlane, Peters, Gamede, Masisi, Khotso, Dondolo, Pitso, Daniels, Modise

Subs: Mothibedi, Vaaltyn, Ndlovu, Makhubela, Tau, Van Neel, Khanyi, Maritshe, Mahapa

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