On Saturday evening, Orlando Pirates edged past Venda Football Academy in an exciting Nedbank Cup last 16 tie at Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers started strongly and were rewarded on 11 minutes when Kermit Erasmus headed home from a Deon Hotto cross.
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Orlando Pirates 2️⃣-1️⃣ Venda Football Academy
Erasmus ⚽️
Lorch ⚽️Chirambadare ⚽️NedbankCup2023 UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/Za4ITITx1Z
— UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) March 11, 2023
However, Venda responded immediately and Rudzani Thobo was unlucky to see his free header come off the post.
The visitors continued to threaten and Edmore Chirambadare had a big chance shortly after the half-hour mark but his close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Venda had the perfect start to the second stanza when a mistake by Hotto cushioned a loose ball into the path of Chirambadare and the former Kaizer Chiefs striker made no mistake.
Pirates had a sense of urgency after the introduction of Thabiso Monyane and Vincent Pule and Dzvukamanja was denied a golden chance at the near post by goalkeeper Harold Ndlovu.
The game was on the balance until Thembinkosi Lorch restored the lead for the Buccaneers seven minutes before the end of extra-time with a strike into the top corner after a headed pass by Evidence Makgopa.
The Buccaneers were able to see out the closing stages of extra-time to seal their spot in the last eight of the competition.
