South Africa’s Orlando Pirates beats Spain’s Sevilla 2-0
Orlando Pirates registered the first victory of their pre-season tour in Spain when they beat Sevilla FC 2-0 in a friendly match played at Ramón Cisneros Palacios on Monday, July 15.
The Soweto Giants netted a goal in each half to register a morale-boosting win in what was an organised display against the Spanish outfit, who were kicking off their preparations for the seasons ahead with the clash held in Seville.
After a tentative start where they found themselves doing most of the defending, Pirates found go-forward ball in the 11th minute. This was after a lovely long pass from Thalente Mbatha caught the Sevilla defence flat-footed on its way to Monnapule Saleng, whose shot at goal was kept out by the upright.
The home side’s best chance during the opening exchanges came via a set piece taken a few paces from the Bucs penalty area by ex-Liverpool attacker Suso, who sent his effort narrowly wide.
The Buccaneers took the lead in the 21st minute, and it was through the boot of Miguel Timm as he lost his marker inside the box before turning Relebohile Mofokeng’s corner in at the near post.
In search of the equaliser, Los Nervionenses attacked through the flanks with Thabiso Lebitso called upon to deal with the energetic Chidera Ejuke on more than one occasion.
Suso managed to spark an opportunity late in the first half, but could only volley his shot over the bar as Pirates managed to cling to their slim lead at the break.
As was the case in their previous outing, Pirates rang the changes at halftime with all but one member of the starting XI not emerging from the tunnel.
Replacement striker Evidence Makgopa got on the end of the first chance of the second period two minutes after the restart, but had his shot deflected out of play.
The Soweto Giants continued to put the hosts under pressure, with new signing Gilberto heavily involved as they constantly pushed forward. The Angolan winger set up an opportunity for Mofokeng, who went for goal from a long way out and fired over the bar. At the other end, Sevilla were unrelenting in their pursuit for the equaliser but could not find a way past a resolute Bucs defence.
With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, Pirates managed to create some daylight between themselves and their opponents. This was through a spectacular effort from Kabelo Dlamini, who curled a long-range shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Lucas Ocampos could have pulled one back with a header from close range late in the game but was denied by an excellent save from Melusi Buthelezi, with the shot-stopper displaying quick reflexes to tip the ball over the bar.
That proved to be the last real chance of the contest, with the Buccaneers emerging as deserving winners after a confident showing.
Pirates XI: Chaine (Buthelezi 46’), Ndah (Sibisi 46’), Lebitso (Monyane 46’), Hotto (Madalane 46’), Timm (Baloni 46’), Mbatha (Ndlondlo 46’), Saleng (Gilberto 46’), Kimvuidi (Dlamini 46’), Mofokeng (Moleleko 67’), Mabasa (Makgopa 46’).
Source: Orlando Pirates
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