Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged a hat-trick as Orlando Pirates advanced to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Baroka FC on Saturday evening.
Nedbank Cup
Result: Orlando Pirates 3-1 Baroka FC
Date: 15 February 2025
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Evidence Makgopa didn't start against his former club as Tshegofatso Mabasa returned to lead the line for the Buccaneers following the heavy loss to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The hosts were not as dominant in the early stages until Relebohile Mofokeng's teasing shot forced Baroka goalkeeper Malcolm Jacobs into a fine save.
Jacobs was undone though right on the half-hour mark when Mabasa made a smart move ahead of the high defensive-line to tap home Deon Hotto's cross at the near post.
Hotto should've got one himself ahead of halftime through a move from the edge of the box, but he fired well over the top.
However, Pirates were two to the good nonetheless when Mabasa tapped in from the area once again after a quick passing move involving Patrick Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro still went to the bench at halftime and refreshed personnel with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo introduced for Makhehleni Makhaula.
Pirates continued going for more goals minutes in the second half as Maswanganyi's curling shot from a tight angle drew Jacobs to make a sprawling save.
The danger remained as substitute Ndlondlo's scorcher from the edge of the box following a corner stung the top of the woodwork.
Mabasa stole the show when a succession of passes allowed him space and time to meet Maswanganyi's deft assist and fired in the bottom-corner to complete his hat-trick.
Baroka reduced the advantage with a little over the final ten minutes when Sydney Malivha's low free-kick rolled underneath the wall and into the far corner.
The first division boys maintained courage within the latter stages, but the Buccaneers steered ship to secure out the win and a last eight ticket.
Here's how they lined up:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Sibisi, Xoki, Van Rooyen, Mako, Makhaula, Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Hotto, Mofokeng, Mabasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Radiopane, Ndlozi, Rasebotja, Shandu, Kimvuidi, Maela, Makgopa, Ndlondlo
Baroka FC: Jacobs, Phalane, Gebhardt, Sikhosana, Mogale, Mothipi, Kgotsitsile, Combi, Nhlabathi
Subs: Sithole, Malivha, Ndhlovu, Radzhadzhi, Selemela, Makgaka, Maphanga, Mtombeni, Mabiliso
