TP MAZEMBE HAS BEEN DEFEATED BY ORLANDO PIRATES 3-1 AT ORLANDO STUDIUM

Monday, 22 April 2013 09:42

Dar es Salaam. Orlando Pirates defeated DR Congo giants TP Mazembe 3-1 in the first leg of their Caf Champions League tie on Saturday night at the Orlando Stadium. A largely second-string Pirates outfit took an early lead via a first-minute Onyekachi Okonkwo goal, but his strike was cancelled out by Paotu Kabangu in the 44th minute. This was after a cross by Tresor Mputu for Mbwana Samata who headed across goal for Kabangu to supply the easy finish. Samata,  the former Simba SC forward, had a decent game, providing several assists, only for his striking partners to fluff the opportunities. Pirates failed to finish a myriad opportunities during the match, but Collins Mbesuma was able to score in the 55th minute to regain the Buccaneers lead. In the final minutes of the game TP Mazembe goalkeeper Kidiaba brought down Mbesuma in the box, with a penalty the result. The Zambian international stepped up to net his second goal of the game and give his side a vital two goal lead in their Caf Champions League tie.  Played in cold conditions at the Orlando Stadium, Pirates made a perfect start to the tie with Onyekachi Okonkwo netting a sublime strike which curled into the top right corner of the net with merely one minute on the clock. Collins Mbesuma should have doubled the lead in the 10th minute when he surged forward free on goal, but his low shot was well-saved by Kidiaba. The DR Congo champions had to make an early substitution when Eric Nkulukuta’s injury saw him replaced by Herve Ndonga in the 28th minute. As the first half continued, TP Mazembe’s defence continued to look fragile under pressure as Pirates piled forward in numbers, seeking to build on their early lead. In the 35th minute Gcaba forced a brave block from Kidiaba who looked vulnerable under the high ball throughout proceedings.