On Sunday, 6 February, Orlando Pirates beat AmaZulu 1-0 in the Round of 32 of the Nedbank Cup at Orlando Stadium, overcoming their first hurdle.
The game was tied at 0-0 at halftime, but the Buccaneers took the lead in the 53rd minute when Deon Hotto received a short corner on the left and cut into the center before playing a one-two with Thabang Monare, who flicked the ball past the AmaZulu defense and Hotto was on hand to finish on the turn.
The Orlando Pirates have qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time.
Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu side were given a lifeline against the run of play when they won a late penalty in the 87th minute, but Tapelo Xoki’s spot-kick was saved by Siyabonga Mpontshane who guessed correctly and dived to his right to book his side’s spot in the next round.
TEAMS
Orlando Pirates
Mpontshane, Shandu, Ndah, Jele, Mako, Makhubela, Mosele, Monare, Lorch, Hotto, Peprah
Substitutes: Sandilands, Maela, Mabaso, Jooste, Motshwari, Makaringe, Dzvukamanja, Dlamini, Lepasa
AmaZulu
Mothwa, Gumede, Khumalo, Xoki, Malepe, Ceesay, Makhaula, Buchanan, Memela, Mulenga, Ntuli
Substitutes: Boshoff, Sikhakane, Zulu, Mgwazela, Moremi, Ekstein, Mlambo, Qalinge, Majok