Deon Hotto’s lone goal handed Orlando Pirates a 1-0 win over AmaZulu in their Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Orlando Pirates 1-0 AmaZulu
Kwame Peprah’s header from a Deon Hotto cross was on target in the second minute, but Veli Mothwa made a comfortable save, as the home team started the match brightly.
Goodman Mosele had a great chance in the ninth minute, as Mothwa misjudged a ball into the box, but Mosele couldn’t get his header on target. Neverdie Makhubela should have given Pirates the lead in the 12th minute, but his first-time shot from in front of goal lacked power and Mothwa saved.
There was controversy in the 22nd minute, AmaZulu thought they had a penalty after Mosele handballed on the ground (twice) in the box, and while referee Masixole Bambiso blew his whistle immediately, instead of awarding a penalty, he resumed play with a dropped ball.
Hotto had a good chance from a free kick in the 43rd minute, but his attempt flew over the goal. And at the break it remained goalless.
Luvuyo Memela’s deflected effort in the 48th minute was saved by Siyabonga Mpontshane, but Pirates were in the lead in the 53rd minute when Hotto played a one two with Thabang Monare and unlocked the defence for the Namibian to make it 1-0.
Augustine Mulenga’s attempt in the 66th minute went straight to Mpontshane, while Olisa Ndah went just over in the 75th minute at the other end.
Mothwa kept AmaZulu in the contest with a save from a Thembinkosi Lorch effort in the 80th minute, and then again saving five minutes from substitute Zakhele Lephasa’s effort.
As time was running out, AmaZulu were awarded a penalty in the 87th minute, as the ball struck recently introduced Abel Mabaso’s hand in the box. Thapelo Xoki stepped up to the spot but his shot was well saved by Mpontshane, and Pirates held onto their lead.
End of the cup road for Benni McCarthy’s team, as Pirates became the fifth team to book their spot in the last sixteen.
The round of 32 fixtures for the Nedbank Cup resume on Wednesday, when Maritzburg United host SuperSport United in another all DStv Premiership affair, while GladAfrica Championship side Venda Football Academy host Gauteng ABC Motsepe League’s African All Stars.
