Orlando Pirates sunk Royal AM in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday evening in a six-goal thriller.
Pirates welcomed Royal AM at Orlando Stadium looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss against Stellenbosch FC in the opening match of the campaign.
The Buccaneers dominated the ball possession in the first 10 minutes but failed to create real goal scoring opportunities.
PIRATES OPEN THE SCORING
Pirates continued their push in search for an opening goal and they were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute. Zakhele Lepasa stepped up and converted from the spot kick.
The Soweto giants came close to finding the second goal of match in the 22nd minute through Monnapule Saleng but his shot was parried away by AM goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.
Pirates doubled their lead through Saleng who received a well-weighted pass from Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
The Jose Riveiro-coached team opened the flood gates with a third goal courtesy of Lepasa who netted his second goal of the match.
The referee Thabo Mkhabela blew halftime whistle with Pirates comfortably leading 3-1, thanks to Saleng and Lepasa who scored a brace.
With Pirates looking to consolidate their lead, they made a double substitution in the 60th minute. They brought in Bandile Shandu and Makhehleni Makhaula in place of Thabiso Monyane and Thabang Monare.
Meanwhile, Pirates lowered the tempo of the game with the retention of the ball in their own half to increase their chances claiming a victory.
The KZN-based side brought a nervy finish to the encounter after scoring their second goal to make it 3-2. The goal was scored by Mxolisi Macuphu.
In addition, the Soweto brought Evidence Makgopa in place of Lepasa in the dying stages of the match.
Pirates were not done with the scoring after second-half substitute Shandu scored the forth goal of the match. They held on to win 4-2.
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