Mabasa's hat-trick fires Orlando Pirates into Nedbank Cup quarter-finals

The win marked a strong comeback for the Buccaneers, who were looking to bounce back from their 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership last weekend.

From the start, Pirates controlled possession, launching numerous attacks against Baroka. One of their early chances fell to Relebohile Mofokeng, who cut inside from the left flank, but his curling shot was tipped over the bar by Baroka goalkeeper Malcolm Jacobs in the 19th minute.

Moments later, Pirates finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Mabasa slotted home a low shot after being set up by Deon Hotto.

Baroka had a chance to equalize when Thuso Mogale broke through on the left wing, but his curling shot went wide.

As the hosts continued to dominate possession, they doubled their lead just before halftime with a well-worked team goal, finished off by Mabasa for his brace, making it 2-0 at the break.

Baroka started the second half stronger, stringing together passes, but they struggled to penetrate the Pirates' defense.

Their task became even more difficult when Mabasa completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, finishing off another well-executed move by the Buccaneers to make it 3-0.

With 15 minutes left, Baroka won a free kick just outside the box, and Sydney Malivhali pulled one back with a powerful low strike.

A late defensive mistake by Pirates substitute Innocent Maela nearly gifted Baroka a second goal, but they failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Despite a late push from Baroka, it was too little, too late, as the defending Nedbank Cup champions marched on to the next round.

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