Orlando Pirates beat Motsepe Foundation Championship side All Stars 2-0 to advance to the last 16 on the 2023 Nedbank Cup.
Pirates took a short trip to Braamfontein to face All Stars in the Nedbank Cup last 32 at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday 11th of February.
The Buccaneers were forced to make an early substitution in the sixth minute when Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo came in for Goodman Mosele, who picked up a knock.
Pirates dominated the early exchanges with the string of few good passes but they were let down by indecisiveness in the final third.
Sandile Mthethwa put the ball into the back of the net after he receiving a pinpoint cross from Monnapule Saleng.
However his goal was disallowed as he was judged to be offside.
The referee Xola Sitela blew his halftime whistle as both sides went to the break deadlocked at 0-0.
PIRATES IMPRESSIVE IN THE SECOND HALF
Thembinkosi Lorch made a return from a long-term injury and replaced Kabelo Dlamini at the start of the second half. Lorch was last in action for Pirates in August 2022.
The introduction on Lorch proved pivotal the Soweto giants as they started playing progressive football.
Pirates eventually opened the scoring in the 63rd minute through Saleng who meet a well-placed low cross from Terrence Dzvukamanja.
Shortly after scoring, Bucs were dealt with a big blow after head coach Jose Riveiro was shown a red card.
Pirates doubled their lead through Lorch who marked his return to action with a goal after netting a low left-footed shot in the 71st minute.
New signing Makhehleni Makhaula was handed his debut in the Pirates colours after replacing Miguel Timm.
RELATED STORY: Shaun Bartlett lauds impressive home record after Nedbank Cup win
