DURBAN — Orlando Pirates left it late, but were eventually able to see off a determined eThekwini Coastal in the Nedbank Cup last-32 on Saturday.
Siyabonga Sangweni broke the deadlock with just four minutes remaining of normal time to help his team get their defence off the a fine start.
The Buccaneers were well below their best over the 90 minutes, which was not aided by the fact Clinton Ndwandwe excelled in goal for the hosts and made three impressive saves early on.
eThekwini did manage to threaten in the first half and it took a goal-line clearance from Thabo Matlaba to prevent Mduduzi Dlamini from grabbing a shock lead.
Oupa Manyisa looked to have put Pirates in front before the break with a long-range effort, but he was desperately unlucky not to score as his shot crashed off the woodwork.
The home goalkeeper again came to his team’s rescue in the 73rd minute, getting down well to just get a glove on Tlou Segolela’s effort.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
However, the Sea Robbers finally managed to break down the opposition defence, with Siyabonga Sangweni powerfully heading home Manyisa’s corner to the far post.
Saturday Results: Black Leopards 2 Blackburn 0, Free State Stars 4 Sivutsa Stars 0, Vardos FC 1 United FC 3