Zambian Tour Ends On A High

Orlando Pirates completed the Zambian tour on Wednesday with matches against Forest Rangers and Gomes FC, bringing a winning end to the brief courtship with the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

It wasn’t long before the opening chance of the Rangers match fell to Thamsanqa Gabuza, whose brilliantly timed run beat the offside trap and left the striker unmarked to execute the finish.

Midway through the second half, the visitors turned on the style as they dominated possession with a seamlessly fluid passing game. The ball rotation and excellent running on-and-off the ball led to Zakhele Lepasa’s clinical finish to put the game to bed as the Soweto Giants saw out a comfortable 2-0 win.

In the second match, which lasted only 45 minutes, first division side Gomes FC was put to the sword as Bucs continued to dominate proceedings.

Lepasa was on the scoresheet once again, enjoying his introduction to the senior side after impressing in the conquering of the SAB League and Playoffs, and maintaining that form going into the Project X tour of Brazil.

Diamond Thopola and Augustine Mulenga rounded up the scoring as the referee blew time on a 3-0 win for the visitors.

Lineup vs. Forest Rangers:

Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Justice Chabalala, Brian Hlongwa, Phetso Maphanga, Linda Mntambo, Abel Mabaso, Meshack Maphangule, Augustine Mahlonoko, Thabo Qalinge, Thamsanqa Gabuza.

Lineup vs. Gomes FC:

Siyabonga Mpontshane (GK), Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Caio Marcelo, Happy Jele, Abel Mabaso, Marshall Munetsi, Asavela Mbekile, Mpho Makola, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Justin Shonga, Zakhele Lepasa.