By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates stayed on course to defend the Nedbank Cup after coming back from behind to beat AmaZulu 4-2 in a quarter-final match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
A brace by Patrick Maswanganyi, who first struck on 45 minutes and then in stoppage time, as well as Kabelo Dlamini’s 58th-minute goal plus Makhehlene Makhaula’s strike with eight minutes to go sent the Buccaneers into the semi-finals.
Usuthu had taken the lead through Hendrick Ekstein on the half-hour mark before Taariq Fielies also scored on 63 minutes.
But it was a contest which could not escape controversy especially when Maswanganyi scored from the spot, leaving AmaZulu coach Pablo Martin Franco calling it a “huge scandal.”
Ekstein had handed the hosts the lead after impressively firing home before the Soweto giants were handed a penalty.
Fielies seemed to have brought down Makhaula inside the box to earn Pirates a penalty, converted by Maswanganyi, to bring his side back into the contest.
AmaZulu almost reclaimed the lead eight minutes into the second half but Ekstein was denied by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Dlamini then thrust the visitors ahead with a well-struck freekick that left Mothwa motionless.
Fielies got Usuthu on level terms after heading in a cross from Abbubaker Mobara before Ekstein agonisingly watched his headed effort brush the crossbar.
Pirates then took the lead again after Makhaula slotted in a Saleng headed assist.
With the match almost over, Saleng broke loose but could not beat Mothwa in a one-on-one situation.
Maswanganyi then killed the match as a contest for Pirates in stoppage time for the Buccaneers’ 11th goal in two games.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates forward beats AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa while Makhehlene Makhaula looks on
Image source: Orlando Pirates
