Orlando Pirates beat Manchester City 2-0 thanks to a Lucas Thwala spot kick and a fantastic long shot from Phenyo Mongale as the Pirates cruised to victory in the opening game of the Vodacom Challenge at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The game started brightly for both sides sporting their new 09/10 season kits, City fielding a number of youngsters and fringe players.
Both teams lacked in the final third as they battled it out in midfield, City’s captain for the day Stephen Ireland working tirelessly in the engine room.
Bojinov had City’s best opportunity of the game, the Bulgarian’s powerful shot parried away by the Pirates keeper.
As the first half wore on into the late stages, it was the Orlando Pirates who took the lead.
Defender Ben Mee was adjudged to have fouled Frank Olivier in the box and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the Pirates a penalty, which was coolly converted by Lucas Thwala.
The second half saw the introduction of Benjani and Vidal as City looked to overcome the 1-0 deficit.
Before City could find their feet, Pirates substitute Peter Mongale floated in a wonderful goal in the 55th minute from the left side of the box, Taylor helpless against the precise angle.
Hughes’s side faded away after that bitter blow and the Pirates could have added another late on as they struck the woodwork.
A good performance from the Pirates as they celebrate Nelson Mandela’s birthday with a fine victory.
City have a lot to improve on, although they can take a few positives away, including a fine performance from academy graduate Weiss.
Vital Manchester City member Andrew (Blueheart RSA) sent us this exclusive photo from the Vodacom Challenge game in Polokwane, South Africa.
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Full Time: Orlando Pirates 2 Manchester City 0
Goals: Thwala 41` (pen) Mogale 55`
Orlando Pirates: Josephs, Thwala, Makonese, Lekgwathi, Mahamutsa, Mabalane, Chenene, Mthembu, Jali, Olivier, Kiaku.
Manchester City: Taylor, Zabaleta, Ben-Haim, Mee, Garrido, Weiss, Ireland, Johnson, Bojinov, Petrov, Bellamy.
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