AmaZulu head coach Pablo Franco Martin once again blasted Orlando Pirates following a 1-0 defeat at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers secured yet another victory over Usuthu, this time at a packed Orlando. It was Jose Riveiro’s back-to-back win over Franco Martin in a week having beaten them 4-2 in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final at Moses Mabhida last weekend.
AmaZulu started the match well against Pirates but things quickly went sour when Abbubaker Mobara was shown a straight red. The former Pirates defender was adjudged to have fouled Patrick Maswanganyi in the 21st minute with the midfielder. He was sent off leaving the away side to play with 10 men for the rest of the match.
Pirates v AmaZulu produces another controversy
The Buccaneers dominated the match but failed to find a breakthrough with Usuthu keeper Veli Mothwa making fine saves. The goal will eventually come through Tshegofatso Mabasa, who tapped in from a Monnapule Saleng pass. A win puts the Sea Robbers in second position as their quest for CAF Champions League football continues.
AmaZulu coach lashed out at Pirates for wasting time and also blasted poor officiating
“Today, I’m not going to be angry, today I’m going to laugh because this is a never-ending story… They are celebrating like they won the World Cup, wasting time, only scoring when they were scoring against nine men,” he said.
The Buccaneers benefit from another poor officiating
Another questionable decision was made last weekend when the two teams played in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final. AmaZulu took the lead in the 30th minute through Pule Ekstein but Pirates were awarded a penalty before half-time. Makhehlene Makhaula was adjudged to have been fouled by Taariq Fielies in the penalty box. Patrick Maswanganyi subsequently stepped up to find a crucial equaliser.
The Buccaneers went on to win 4-2 leaving Franco Martin fuming.
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