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DStv Premiership match report Royal AM v Orlando Pirates 27 August 2022

Orlando Pirates advanced to the semi-finals of the MTN8 after defeating Royal AM 2-1 at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday evening.

Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Monyane, Deon Hotto and Bienvenu Eva Nga came back into the side after Pirates' midweek win over Marumo Gallants FC at home in the DStv Premiership.

Pirates had their noses in front after just three minutes when Vincent Pule drilled a low ball into the bottom corner as Royal AM failed to keep their lines in shape.

Thwihli Thwahla looked to pull themselves back on level terms minutes thereafter and Motebang Sera shaved the woodwork from a deflected shot in the Buccaneers defensive area.

Pirates missed a big chance to double their lead after the half-hour mark when Zakhele Lepasa fired wide with the goal in sight from a well-worked layoff by Nga.

Royal AM made a late push for the equaliser with shots flying in from all angles and positions too, but it wasn't to be as the Buccaneers closed shop.

Scroll through the gallery to see Orlando Pirates' ins and outs!

Evidence Makgopa
Evidence Makgopa
Bienvenu Eva Nga
Bienvenu Eva Nga
Miguel Timm
Miguel Timm
Azola Matrose
Azola Matrose
Exit: Abel Mabaso
Exit: Abel Mabaso
Exit: Kwanda Mngonyama
Exit: Kwanda Mngonyama
Exit: Justice Chabalala
Exit: Justice Chabalala
Exit: Elson Sithole - image via Orlando Pirates
Exit: Elson Sithole - image via Orlando Pirates
Exit: Wayne Sandilands
Exit: Wayne Sandilands
Exit: Thabang Monare
Exit: Thabang Monare


Thwihli Thwahla installed a double substitution before the resumption, as Mfundo Thikazi came on for Lesvin Stoffels before Jabulani Ncobeni slotted in for Lantshene Phalane.

Pirates increased their lead ten minutes into the second half after Monyane ran in from the right and slotted through the gloves of Xolani Ngcobo.

Thwihli Thwahla got a lifeline after two minutes when a curling shot from Thikazi on the right bounced off the post and Shaune Mogaila attacked and slotted home on the rebound.

Royal AM began to push forward and camp in the defensive half of the Buccaneers, but still found it difficult to get efforts in and trouble Richard Ofori.

Following a nervy closing, both sides were down to ten players in Khetukuthula Ndlovu for Royal AM and Goodman Mosele for the Buccaneers due to an off-the-ball incident, but 2-1 was how the encounter finished as Pirates advanced to the semi-finals..

Confirmed line-ups:

Royal AM: Ngcobo, Mogaila, Nascimento, Maganyi, Matlaba, Mahlasela, Phalane, Kobedi, Sera, De jong, Stoffels

Subs: Nyame, Ncobeni, Pelembe, Ndlovu, Macuphu, Rikhotso, Cele, Dlamini, Thikazi

Orlando Pirates: Ofori, Maela, Sibisi, Ndah, Mosele, Timm, Monyane, Hotto, Pule, Nga, Lepasa

Subs: Mpontshane, Peprah, Mthethwa, Mako, Shandu, Tlolane, Makgaka, Makaringe, Motshwari

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