Orlando Pirates deliver extra-time K.O to gutsy Venda Football Academy
Orlando Pirates claimed a 2-1 victory over the National First Division side Venda Football Academy in extra time to book a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
Pirates welcomed Motsepe Foundation Championship strugglers VFA on Saturday, 11th of March at Orlando Stadium.
The Soweto giants dominated the early exchanges with a string of few good passes but they were let down by decision-making in the final third.
ORLANDO PIRATES OPEN THE SCORING
Pirates came close to opening the scoring in the 11th minute after Kermit Erasmus found Deon Hotto with a dink pass in the box but the Mozambique-international blasted his shot over the crossbar.
Hotto turned into a provider in the 24th minute after playing a pinpoint cross to Erasmus who converted a header from a close range to make it 1-0 for Pirates.
The Buccaneers were caught napping shortly after scoring when Rudzani Thobo was found unmarked in the box but his powerful header was inches away from the posts.
VFA started to impose themselves and found passes behind the Pirates’ defence when Edmore Chirambadare unleashed a powerful low shot but it was parried away by Pirates ‘keeper Sipho Chaine.
The referee Thabo Mkhabela blew the half-time whistle with Pirates leading 1-0 courtesy of Erasmus’ goal.
As the second half got underway, Pirates brought on Terrence Dzvukamanja in place of Erasmus.
In the 49th minute, the Thohoyandou-based side found an equalizer through Chirambadare after a defensive error by Hotto.
Jose Riveiro’s troops launched a counter-attack looking for a lead when Lorch stormed into the VFA box and smashed his powerful shot against the upright.
The sides could not be separated in 90 minutes and went into the extra time deadlocked at 1-1.
The Houghton-based side were rewarded for their efforts after netting a winner late in the extra time through Lorch who made it 2-1.
The 2022 MTN8 Champions booked a spot in the Nedbank Cup last eight thanks to goals by Erasmus and Lorch.
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