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Football News Update - August 12, 2023
Orlando Pirates kicked off their MTN title defense in style with a resounding 5-0 triumph against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium. Zakhele Lepasa stood out as the star of the show, netting an impressive hat-trick that propelled the Buccaneers to victory.
From the start, Orlando Pirates displayed their authority, controlling possession during the early stages. However, Sekhukhune United's defense initially held firm, limiting the scoring opportunities for the reigning MTN8 champions.
As the game progressed, Orlando Pirates continued to press high, creating challenges for Sekhukhune United's build-up play from the back. The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute as Zakhele Lepasa struck again, benefiting from Patrick Maswanganyi's setup to find the back of the net.
With their lead established, the Buccaneers played with confidence and enthusiasm, much to the delight of their home crowd. Despite Sekhukhune United's efforts, they struggled to breach the solid defensive lines of Orlando Pirates.
The second half witnessed more action, including a penalty opportunity for Sekhukhune United that hit the upright, sparing Orlando Pirates from conceding. Orlando Pirates doubled their lead in the 56th minute through Monnapule Saleng's efforts, which led to Lepasa's second goal.
The scoring momentum continued as Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo extended the lead in the 58th minute with a well-executed finish. Monnapule Saleng added another goal to Orlando Pirates' tally in the 62nd minute, seizing on a rebounded effort.
Although Lepasa missed a penalty chance in the 77th minute, he completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute with a comfortable finish. The final whistle sealed Orlando Pirates' commanding 5-0 victory, propelling them into the next phase of the competition.
| Final Score |
|---|
| Orlando Pirates: 5 (Lepasa 21’ 56’, 86’ Ndlondlo 58’, Saleng 62’) |
| Sekhukhune United: 0 |
| Orlando Pirates Lineup | Sekhukhune United Lineup |
|---|---|
| Chaine | Sangare |
| Monyane (Shandu 90’) | Ntiya-Ntiya (Masiya 64’) |
| Sibisi | Cardoso |
| Xoki (Maela 90’) | Gyimah |
| Mako | Mobbie Bwalya (Mosadi 76’) |
| Ndlondlo (Makaringe 74’) | Mokotjo |
| Monare (Makhuala 77’) | Webber |
| Saleng (Hotto 76’) | Mbokoma (Vilakazi 45’) |
| Maswanganyi | Ohizu |
| Ratomo | Mokwana (Thutlwa 45’) |
| Lepasa |
Note: Names in the brackets indicate substitutions.
