
CAF Champions League
Result: Orlando Pirates 3-1 TP Mazembe
Date: 20 April 2013
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates claimed a hard-fought 3-1 win over TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions League clash at the Orlando Stadium.
Pirates took the lead just two minutes into the match when Collins Mbesuma teed the ball up for Onyekachi Okonkwo who expertly curled the ball into the top corner.
Six minutes later it should have been goal number two when Mbesuma was one-on-one with the keeper, but smashed it straight at Robert Kidiaba who parried it out.
The best chances were all coming the way of Pirates in the opening half and just before the half-hour Tlou Segolela had a great chance as he broke free of the defence, but his final shot was tamely driven into the hands of Kidiaba.
Another great chance went begging for Pirates when Kidiaba spilled Segolela’s shot, but Ayanda Gcaba failed to make the most of the rebound and blasted it back into the arms of the keeper.
A minute before half-time, the visitors made it 1-1 when the Pirates defence was caught napping, allowing Patou Kabangu a simple tap in from close range.
The lead was almost restored seconds later when Rudolf Bester pulled the trigger from range, but it zipped just past the post.
Pirates were back in front ten minutes into the second half when Mbesuma stroked home Khetokwakhe Masuku’s cross to make it 2-1. Mbesuma could have had a second goal on the hour, but his left-footed effort was kept out by Kidiaba.
In the final minute Pirates were handed a penalty when Kidiaba brought down Mbesuma in the area and the striker made no mistake in slotting home the spot-kick.
Orlando Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Patrick Phungwayo, Lucky Lekgwathi, Ayanda Gcaba, Maselesa, Onyekachi Okonkwo , Tlou Segolela, Rudolf Bester (Mpho Makola 75), Khetokwakhe Masuku, Collins Mbesuma
Subs: Brighton Mhlongo, Takesure Chinyama, Ndumiso Mabena, Kheki Nzunga, Daine Klate.
TP Mazembe: Robert Kidiaba, Eric Nkulukuta, Kean Kasusula, Hichani Himonde, Richard Kissi Boateng, Daniel Adjei Nji, Patrick Ilongo, Trespor Mputi Mabi (Solomon Assante Wafe 76), Patou Kabangu, Rainford Kalaba, Abwana Aly Samatta.
Subs: Aime Bakula, Gladson Awako, Nathan Sinkala, Herve Ndonga, Jonas Sakuwaha
Goals: Onyekachi Okonkwo (Pirates 2), Patou Kabangu (TP Mazembe 44), Collins Mbesuma (Pirates 55, 90 pen)
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