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Maluti stun giants Pirates

Phuthaditjhaba - Second division outfit Maluti FET College stunned Orlando Pirates 4-1, sending the Soweto giants crashing out of the Nedbank Cup, in their last 32 match at Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday.

Maluti scored twice in each half of the poorly attended elimination game, with captain Lucky Mokoena, who netted a brace, Mashale Rantabane and Lucas Penze all finding the back of the net.

The Buccaneers dominated the first stanza, creating numerous scoring opportunities, but they failed to make them count. They were also denied by Maluti goalkeeper Mohlolo Khuse, who pulled off spectacular saves to hold off Collin Mbesuma, Rudolf Bester and Oupa Manyisa.

VIDEO: Maluti v Orlando Pirates, highlights

"It was a disaster of errors, starting in the first minute," said Pirates coach Roger de Sa.

"From then on it set the pace and we never got anything right. Unfortunately we could only make three subs, and we needed to make about eight today.

"We never got into the game, we were poor all round."

The hosts showed their Premiership opponents no respect, running riot whenever they were on the offensive, with their strikers utilising speed well on the counter attack.

Maluti were first on the scoresheet, within the first minute, through Mokoena, and defender Rantabane beat Pirates shot stopper Senzo Meyiwa with a fine header at the near post midway through the first half, after a well taken free-kick outside the box.

The goals spurred Maluti on and the minnows raised their game, with Mokoena coming close to grabbing a brace in the 37th minute, but his powerful left-footed strike hit the sidenet.

Malefatsane Rankati wasted a chance to give Maluti their third but he missed the target, ballooning his effort over the bar.

A minute later Bucs midfielder Onyekachi Okonkwo came close, just before the break, but his attempt was cleared off the goalline by Maluti defender Jabulane Rantho.

Under pressure to avoid embarrassment, De Sa made double substitutions, introducing Takesure Chinyama and Ndumiso Mabena for Lehlohonolo Masalesa and Mbesuma. However, Maluti stretched their advantage further when Mokoena beat Meyiwa with a brilliant 55th minute header from substitute Dikotsi Mabaleng's superb pass.

The home side then wasted a golden chance to sink Pirates when Penze missed a penalty kick in the 56th minute. Referee Buyile Gqubule penalised Happy Jele for dangerous play against Mokoena.

On the hour mark, Manyisa finally got Bucs on the scoresheet, firing a grass-cutter past Khuse to make it 3-1.

Pirates tried to raise their game but Morena Ramorebodi's young lads stood their ground, frustrating their Premiership opponents.

Maluti's fighting spirit and persistent attack saw them extend their lead to 4-1 when Penze headed home with 10 minutes left, after connecting with a clinical pass from Mokoena.
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