A second-half goal from Tlou Segolela saw Premier League leaders Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns to progress to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup with a 1-0 victory at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
The winger caught the Sundowns defence napping to slot in the winner in the 57th minute.
A few seconds earlier, striker Katlego Mashego had missed an opportunity to give the Buccaneers the lead when his penalty effort was well stopped by Sundowns goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands after a handball in the box.
This was Pirates’ third win in a row over fellow Premiership title chasers Sundowns, after they defeated the Brazilians in both league meetings this season.
Sundowns had been hampered by injuries and suspensions in the week ahead of the encounter and missed regular players Matthew Booth, Elias Pelembe and Surprise Moriri. Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise was given a start against his former club.
Downs started with Katlego Mashego and Mabhuti Khenyeza up front, with the duo hardly causing a threat to Senzo Meyiwa in the Pirates goalmouth.
Khenyeza was guilty of shooting woefully wide midway through the first half with only the keeper to beat.
Mphela’s best chance of the half came from a free-kick taken from outside the box that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
It was Pirates who began the game in a more sprightly fashion with Mashego hitting the post in the second minute before rattling the woodwork again in the 36th minute with a header from a Segolela cross.
Mashego’s striking partner, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, also had an early opportunity when he twisted and turned the defence before unleashing a shot that was well held by Sandilands.
Five minutes later, after Pirates had scored, they were reduced to 10 men after defender Happy Jele was shown his second yellow card after a reckless tackle. In the opening minutes of the encounter Jele received his first caution for time wasting.
Sundowns tried to take advantage of the situation and brought on a third striker with Zimbabwean Nyasha Mushekwi replacing midfielder Buhle Buthelezi, while Pirates aimed at absorbing most of the pressure.
The Buccaneers faced a late onslaught from the visitors and Mphela found space in the penalty area with 15 minutes left, but his shot was saved by Meyiwa.
Mushekwi also tested the reflexes of the youngster, who was deputising for the injured Moeneeb Josephs, with an effort that was kept out with eight minutes left to play. – Sapa