Oswin Appollis scored on debut for Orlando Pirates as they edged Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-final to secure a semi-final spot.
Pirates’ starting line-up for the match featured some new faces. Among the notable debuts were Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, and Oswin Appollis, all of whom joined the club during the recent transfer window.
Meanwhile, Levy Mashiane was also a notable inclusion in the starting lineup for Rise and Shine, having recently joined the club after he departed the now-defunct Royal AM.
Within the first minute of the game, Oswin Appollis came close to scoring against his former team. After receiving a cross from Deon Hotto, his attempt sailed just inches wide of the post.
The Sea Robbers’ approach to the game seemed largely unchanged from their time under Jose Riveiro. They dominated possession and played with high intensity, consistently looking to create scoring opportunities.
APPOLLIS HAUNTED HIS EX-SIDE, SCORING ON DEBUT
Thirteen minutes into the game, Appollis came back to haunt his former side. He opened the scoring after a well-placed set-up from Boitumelo Radiopane, who put him through on goal.
Ezimnyama Ngenkani extended their lead to two goals in the 34th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi confidently converted a penalty kick awarded after Appollis was brought down inside the box.
Polokwane City returned in the second half with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. They mounted an few attacks, but despite their efforts, they were unable to find a breakthrough.
Radiopane delivered a superb through-pass to Bandile Shandu, but the right-back squandered the opportunity, sending his shot sailing over the crossbar.
In the 59th minute, the Buccaneers made a double substitution, bringing on Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi to replace Radiopane and Appollis.
Moments later, Deon Hotto nearly added a third goal for the home side. His free-kick rattled the crossbar, denying him a spectacular goal.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made further changes introducing Kabelo Dlamini and Abdoulaye Mariko who came in the places of Maswanganyi and Mbule.
The Sea Robbers successfully managed the game to the final whistle, securing their first victory of the new season.
RELATED STORY: ‘I was surprised’: Sibisi on Pirates’ new signing