Johannesburg – A 10-man Orlando Pirates side defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 after extra time in their Nedbank Cup quarter-final battle in Atteridgeville on Saturday night when red-hot striker Tendai Ndoro scored one and created the other to seal a place in the semi-finals for the Buccanneers.
The first 45 minutes was a tight affair with chances few and far between. The first chance fell the way of the defending champions, Sundowns a minute after the half hour mark, Hlompo Kekana flashed the ball across the penalty box but Brighton Mhlongo was alert to the danger.
Five minutes before the break The Brazilians had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Themba Zwane flicked a ball on for Leonardo Castro but the Colombian’s volleyed effort was straight at Mhlongo in the Pirates goal.
In the 70th minute, Eric Tinkler’s men were reduced to ten men when Edwin Gyimah was sent off for two reckless challenges on Khama Billiat.
Five minutes later, Tendai Ndoro almost put the Sea Robbers into the lead when he sent an acrobatic attempt over the bar after he controlled the ball well from a Gift Motupa cross
Pirates defended admirably and it was goalless after 90 minutes which meant extra time ensued.
Eight minutes into extra time, the home team once again threatened, Billiat Played in Cuthbert Malajila but the substitute could only hit the side-netting.
Three minutes before the first half of extra time Malajilia had another chance to hand Pitso Mosimane’s men the lead but Mhlongo was quick off his line to thwart the Pirates forward.
Pirates broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half of extra time. Ndoro broke the offside trap and was well found by Motupa and the Pirates hitman made no mistake as he struck a low left-foot shot past Dennis Onyango
Goal scorer then turned provider four minutes later, Ndoro laid the ball on a plate for Mpho Makola who side-footed the ball home to double the visitors lead. – African News Agency (ANA)