Lorch Returns To Lead Pirates To An Easy Win

Orlando Pirates welcomed back Thembinkosi Lorch in an easy Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 clash win.

The Buccaneers struck a surprise when they named Thembinkosi Lorch in the starting lineup for the first time this season.

Lorch last featured for Orlando Pirates last season during the final of the Nedbank Cup against Sekhukhune United.

1st Half

His inclusion saw Pirates start the match in the frontfoot, and had numerous half chances in the first half to take the lead, but went into the break with the scoreline all square.

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The only talking point of the first half was the substitution of Sipho Chaine in the 32nd minute after he clashed with Spurs attacker.

He was replaced by Melusi Buthelezi in the 31st minute.

2nd Half

Pirates continued to boss the match but struggled to penetrate Spurs’ defence before the 60th minute.

Five minutes after Olisa Ndah’s header hit the upright, Pirates won a penalty after striker Evidence Makgopa was brought down in the box by Spurs’ goalkeeper.

Pirates’ captain on the day Tapelo Xoki slaughtered the resulting penalty to hand Bucs the lead.

Pirates didn’t have to wait longer for the second goal.

Five minutes later, Kermit Erasmus rounded Spurs’ keeper to make it 2-0 after good work from Lorch and Makgopa.

Pirates managed to hold on for a 2-0 victory and advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition.

☠️ FT || @orlandopirates 2 – 0 @CapeTownSpursFC

🥅 60' (P) Xoki
🥅 65' Erasmus

⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#CarlingKnockout #Matchday #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/XnXLdJUv0y

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 20, 2023