Enyimba vs Orlando Pirates report | Bucs into CAF Confed Last 8 – 28 April

Orlando Pirates are through to the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup despite losing 1-0 away to Nigerian giants Enyimba on Wednesday night.

The Buccaneers needed a point to secure their place in the quarterfinals of Africa’s second-biggest club competition while Enyimba were desperate for maximum points to stand a chance of progressing.

AS IT HAPPENED | ENYIMBA VS ORLANDO PIRATES

The first 45 minutes saw both sides go at each other without creating too many goalscoring chances but it was Enyimba who enjoyed the dominance over Pirates.

Enyimba attacker Orok came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes before the interval but Wayne Sandilands pulled off a stunning save, stretching his left leg to deny Enyimba the opening goal.

But that was before Vincent Pule rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot from outside the box.

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Pirates soaked up the pressure in the second half and it is for that reason they struggled to get out of their half with Enyimba pressing high up the field.

The home side did get a few goalscoring chances in the second half but they skied almost every chance they got, especially midway through the second half.

Pirates had their penalty appeal turned down when Tshegofatso Mabasa went down inside the box with less than 20 minutes to go.

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There was drama deep into stoppage time as Enyimba found the winner through Cyril Olisema after some sloppy defending by Pirates.

As a result, Pirates finished second on the Group A log tied on nine points with leaders Enyimba.

HOW PIRATES LINED UP

Pirates starting XI: Sandilands, Mabaso, Nyauza, Maela, Mako, Ndlovu, Makaringe, Motshwari, Mntambo, Pule, Mabasa.

Bench: Sesane, Zungu, Sam, Muwowo, Dlamini, Jooste, Monyane.