Pirates nail Zanaco FC

 

Mohau Ramashidja

A 1–0 lead in the first half of the second leg CAF champions’ league encounter was certainly enough to keep Orlando Pirates motivated throughout to walk away with a 2–1 win. “The away goal was crucial for us. We are getting there,” said Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa.

The home side welcomed Zanaco FC at Soccer City stadium determined to increase the away aggregate lead scored in Lusaka. Pirates made their intentions clear in the first half when the unfavoured Masuku, with only 6 appearances, scored a long range cracker outside the 18 yard.

Adamant for a comeback, it was Zanaco who outpaced the home side to find the back of the net in the 48^th minute, thanks to Musonda’s brilliant header.

With matters now being even, Pirates continued to create chances only to find their efforts going abyss. A beautiful chance orchestrated in the 67^th minute by Pirates’ midfield– finding Klate who seemed to have left his scoring boots at home. His shot went wide, left with only a keeper to beat.

With each moment being crucial for both sides, Pirates’ Klate made way for the troublesome Mpho Makola. Hungry from the word go; it was Makola who made his presents felt in the opposition’s camp, 5 minutes into his play time.

Left with no option Zanaco committed into a foul hoping to nullify the threat like they did with Pirates’ Jali in the first half. But that was not to be as Makola soldiered on to score a stunner into the top corner with a free kick.

With only 14 minutes left on the clock, the home side continued to show more dominance and desire to walk away with a win. Eager to impress as always it was Pirates’ Mahlaba who surged forward like a hot knife through butter– releasing a scorcher outside the 18 yard only to miss the crossbar by inches.

Match ended on 3–1 aggregate in favour of the Buccaneers.