Dikgang Mabalane marked his return to action as Pirates continued their chase for the treble when they advanced to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium last night.
Wing wizard Mabalane, who had been sidelined by injury since December 4, scored the third goal as the Sea Robbers buried the memory of the humiliating 3-0 drubbing by Ajax Cape Town in their last league match, two weeks ago.
The MTN8 champions, who are third behind log leaders Ajax in the Absa Premiership standings, took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
It came courtesy of a 10th- minute own goal by skyscraper Lungisani Ndlela, who nodded Tlou Segolela's corner past his goalkeeper Nkosana Maseko. Oupa Manyisa rammed in a pile-driver of a shot to double the damage 18 minutes later.
But the first division team, who chased shadows in the opening period, refused to be reduced to rubble in the second half. They cut the deficit via former Kaizer Chiefs player Junior Khanye, who put a splendid strike past Senzo Meyiwa.
Pirates started like a house on fire and should have stormed into the lead six minutes from kickoff but for wastefulness in front of goal.
Speed merchant Segolela got on his bike on the left and swung in a sweet cross that cried out for a finish. But Chiukepu Msowoya made a hash of things with a harmless header.
Msowoya was back to his missing best later with a turn and shoot.
Bucs resume their league action against Moroka Swallows on Wednesday.
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