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Pirates thrash Chiefs in the first leg of the MTN8 quarterfinal

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After a slow start to the season, Orlando Pirates have bounced back in great style beating bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This was Pirates’ second win in four matches so far this season.

With this commanding victory, Bucs are almost guaranteed a place in the MTN-8 final.

The two sides will meet at the FNB Stadium in the second leg next Sunday.

Last season, Chiefs ended a five-year winless streak against their arch rivals Pirates in great style. Amakhosi beat Bucs in three matches last season; twice in the league campaign and also won in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals earlier in 2020.

With three Chiefs veterans Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Willard Katsande all starting on the bench, the captain’s armband went to attacking midfielder Lebogang Manyama.

With Happy Jele on the bench, Thulani Hlatshawayo captained Pirates in his first-ever Soweto derby.

Thabang Monare started in midfield alongside Thembinkosi Lorch, but last season’s Premier Soccer League’s joint leading goalscorer Gabadinho Mhango’s name was missing on the match team list.

The first real chance to score came in the 11th minute, but Khama Billiat’s effort went over the bar. Then 10 minutes later, Leonardo Castro wasted a golden opportunity to score.

Pirates started raiding Chiefs’ goalmouth and Zakhele Lepasa managed to break the deadlock after connecting with a cross from the left.

The home side did not sit back but pushed for more goals.

Chiefs will have themselves to blame for failing to score in the first half with defender Siyabonga Ngezana missing the target after a free header. Pirates also fluffed a chance to stretch their lead on the stroke of half-time.

Chiefs made a double substitution in the 60th minute with Parker replacing Manyama and Happy Mashiane taking the place of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.

When many expected Chiefs to claw their way back into the match, Pirates found another goal though Vincent Pule who showed good control after receiving a quality cross from Lorch.

The third goal for Pirates was scored by Lorch, who was eventually voted man of the match nine minutes from time.

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