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Maize Cup 

Result: Platinum Stars 0-0 Orlando Pirates  (Pirates won 3-1 on penalties)

Date: 13 August 2016 

Venue: Moruleng Stadium

Felipe Ovono proved to be the hero for Orlando Pirates, as they defeated Platinum Stars 3-1 on penalties in the Maize Cup on Saturday afternoon.

The Buccaneers enjoyed most of the possession in the opening exchanges with the likes of Oupa Manyisa and Mpho Makola pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Dikwena eventually got going after the 20-minute mark and they should have found themselves one-goal up but Ndumiso Mabena fired horribly over the crossbar with only Jackson Mabokgwane to beat.

Cavin Johnson’s charges grew stronger as the half went, as Robert Ng’ambi started having a lot more influence on the encounter.

However, Mabena’s chance in the 24th proved to be the best opening of the half, as the score remained goalless as the sides entered the break.

Muhsin Ertugral opted to make four changes at the start of the second half, as he introduced goalkeeper Felipe Ovono, Mahlatse Makudubela, Patrick Phungwayo and  Luvuyo Memela.

The clash had a typical pre-season feel to it, as neither side showed any real attacking intent in the respective final thirds.

The Buccaneers squandered a golden chance after 60 minutes when Tendai Ndoro played Thabo Matlaba through on goal, however the full-back could only fire straight at Mzimela from close range.

Mzimela frustrated the Buccaneers once again in the 81st minute, as the Dikwena shot-stopper rushed off his line to thwart Ndoro on the edge of the box.

With time running out, Ertugral introduced Ayanda Nkosi for Ndoro as they searched for a winning goal.

However, neither side could break the deadlock in the closing stages, forcing the game into a penalty shoot-out, where Ovono proved to hero, pulling off two saves to help Pirates win the cup.

Here’s how they lined up:

Platinum Stars: Mzimela, Gumede, Mlilo, Zulu, Mnguni, Mere, Ng’ambi, Mabena, Botes, Gwabeni, Tshabalala.

Orlando Pirates: Mabokgwane, Chabalala, Gyimah, Sikhakhane Matlaba, Sarr, Makola, Qalinge, Rakhale, Manyisa, Ndoro.

Source: http://www.soccerladuma.co.za