Orlando Pirates scored late to beat Enyimba International 2-1 in CAF Confederation Cup action on Wednesday evening.
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Enyimba
Ntsikelelo Nyauza had an early opportunity for Pirates, but his effort in the 15th minute failed to trouble Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble.
Ten minutes later Linda Mntambo had a chance from the edge of the area, but shot over.
Pirates went 1-0 up on the 27th minute, an audacious strike from Deon Hotto, who took advantage of Enyimba being unable to clear their lines, and he back-heeled the ball into the goal, with the keeper stranded.
While Pirates dominated the first half hour, Enyimba had a few chances at the end of the half and were rewarded in stoppage time when Siyabonga Mpontshane brought down Nelson Ogbonnaya, and the referee awarded a penalty.
Tunde Oladapo made no mistake and sent Mpontshane the wrong way. 1-1 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half, Vincent Pule went close but Noble pulled off a good save to deny him.
In the 64th minute Pirates had another chance from a corner, but Innocent Maela’s attempted header went wide.
As the rain began to pour down, Pirates continued to pile on the pressure, and it finally relented as Pirates were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute after a foul on Gabadinho Mhango.
But the penalty effort from Tshegofatso Mabasa was disastrous, as he slipped on the wet surface as he took the kick and skied it over.
But in the 88th minute Pirates were not to be denied as Mabasa made up for his earlier mistake and powerfully headed in the winning goal from a corner.
After two matches Pirates go top of Group A on 4 points.
