Orlando Pirates beat Black Leopards

The Buccaneers defeated Lidoda Duvha at this same stage of the TKO last year, and history repeated itself thanks to a brace from Zambian marksman Collins Mbesuma.

Pirates debutant Lehlogonolo Masalesa immediately showed his class, creating the opening goal in the sixth minute with a great cross from the right that was headed home by Mbesuma.

The striker had a good chance to double Pirates’ advantage when he turned inside the Leopards penalty area and shot on goal, but Posnett Omony made a comfortable save.

Just past the half hour-mark Omony again denied Mbesuma after some slick build-up play, while at the other end Ramagalela almost caught Moeneeb Josephs napping with a long-range effort that sailed just over the crossbar.

By this stage the home side had begun to get a foothold in the game, but on 39 minutes they were reduced to 10 men when left-back Thulani Ntshingila received his second booking.

Mbesuma continued to look threatening in the second half and should have racked up a second goal on 57 minutes when Patrick Phungwayo provided an excellent cross from an overlapping run, but the Zambian headed over from close range.

Josephs was little more than a spectator once Leopards had been reduced to 10 men, but on 77 minutes he was forced into an excellent save, tipping over a long-range effort from Mongezi Bobe.

Mbesuma hit the outside of the post on 79 minutes, but his search for an elusive second goal ended just a minute later.

Omony gave away possession in a dangerous area, Ndumiso Mabena provided a low cross, and Mbesuma finished easily with a low shot to finally put the result beyond doubt.