Orlando Pirates have finished their pre-season tour in Spain with a 2-0 win over LaLiga 2 side Granada.
New Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou picked an experimental line-up, with none of Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa starting, while Oswin Appollis didn’t make the squad.
Most parts of the first half both sides cancelled each other out, with Granada having a few decent opportunities but failing to beat Sipho Chaine.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who captained the side again, found himself free in front of the goalkeeper just before half-time but he dragged his shit wide.
Ouaddou changed nearly his complete line-up at half-time, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deano Van Rooyen, Sihle Nduli, Kabelo Dlamini, Camren Dansin, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Yanela Mbuthuma entering the field.
Pirates had another great chance after 55 minutes when Maswanganyi found Mofokeng unmarked in the box but the winger’s attempt was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper.
Dlamini then tested Granada goalkeeper from close range but was denied in the 75th minute, while Granada almost scored in the other side but were denied by the bar.
Maswanganyi evenually opened the scoring for the Buccaneers after 80 minutes, scoring on a rebound after the Granada goalkeeper had come up with another save.
Mofokeng made it 2-0 in the 89th minute after being found by Mbuthuma, then rounding the goalkeeper before calmly slotting home.
Ouaddou’s men end their pre-season tour of Spain with one win, two draws and one defeat.
Pirates’ starting XI: Chaine, Xoki, Mbokazi, Seema, Mashiloane, Selepe, Mbule, Nduli, Kwayiba, Moremi, Kimvuidi, Radiopane
Pirates’ second half XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Ndlozi, Ndaba, Van Rooyen, Nduli, Dlamini, Dansin, Mofokeng, Maswanganyi, Mbuthuma
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