Mabasa nets second hat-trick of the season as Pirates edge Baroka

Tshegofatso Mabasa netted his second hat-trick of the season as Orlando Pirates edged Baroka FC 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium.

The 28-year-old striker also rattled in three goals during The Buccaneers’ 8-1 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership earlier this season.

With this Ke Yona victory, Pirates joined SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC, Durban City FC and Marumo Gallants in the Last eight.

Jose Riveiro made only one change to his starting line-up from their previous match against Mamelodi Sundowns, with Tshegofatso Mabasa replacing Evidence Makgopa. The Buccaneers were aiming to bounce back from their significant 4-1 defeat to The Brazilians, while Baroka were coming off a 1-1 draw against AmaTuks in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The first 10 minutes of the first half was a cautious affair, with both teams creating few scoring opportunities.

Later, Pirates began to turn up the heat, pressing forward in search of an opener. Relebohile Mofokeng tested Baroka goalkeeper Malcolm Jacobs in the 19th minute with a shot from inside the box, but the keeper was equal to the task.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo outfit had some forward movements looking to exploit the space left behind when Pirates were attacking.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 29th minute with Mabasa converting Deon Hotto’s cross. Pirates persisted in their efforts to score a second goal, seeking to solidify their advantage before the break.

In the first half’s stoppage time, Mabasa doubled the lead for the home side, finishing a cut-back from Patrick Maswanganyi.

The second half saw a spirited Bakgaga side, showing no signs of surrender. They started the second stanza with intent.

In the 51st minute, Jacobs made a spectacular save stopping Maswanganyi from adding the third goal for Ezimnyama Ngenkani. Shortly after, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo’s powerful shot from outside the box crashed against the crossbar.

Mabasa returned to complete his hat-trick in the 63rd minute with Maswanganyi turning the provider once again for the former Bloemfontein Celtic striker.

Unexpectedly, Sydney Malivha pulled one back for Baroka, slotting past Sipho Chaine from a free-kick on the edge of the box. With no more response from the opponents, the Soweto giants went through to the next stage at the end of the match.

RELATED STORY: Jose Riveiro reveals main concern at Orlando Pirates