By: Nhlanhla Mhlongo

Orlando Pirates has suffered a 4-1 hammering to Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday at the Petro Sport Stadium, Cairo.

Pirates failed to secure the top spot in-group B and that has technically made them to face Al Ahly of Egypt in the semifinals.

Pirates looked like the better side 10 minutes into the game but could not make the best of their chances.

Sifiso Myeni’s could have opened the account for his side but saw his shot saved by Zamalek’s goalkeeper, Basem Gennesh.

Zamalek got a wake up call and created their first chance first chance with Mohammed Ibrahim shot hitting the post after dribbling past three defenders.

Pirates started to scramble at the back, failing to clear the ball and Zamalek broke the deadlock thanks to Ahmed Tawfik’s powerful shot that left Felipe Ovono hanging. Pirates defense looked
vulnerable with Zamalek continuing to look for second goal.

Pirates eventually managed to equalize through Oupa Manyisa’s goal in the 30th minutes, after a telling Thamsanqa Gabuza cross from the left.

Zamalek responded with a hard low shot goal in the 38th minute from Ibrahim who had came across a terrific back heel. Pirates were awarded free-kick inches outside the box, however,
Myeni’s effort was perished away by Gennesh.

The second half started with a slow pace with no team creating threat opportunities.  Pirates made double substitution with Erasmus and Masuku making way in for Gabuza and Sarr.

Moustafa Fathi came off the bench to stretch his side lead to 3-1 just after the hour mark.

Six minutes later, Solimani made sure that his side avoids their archrivals, Al Ahly in the semifinals.

Bucs will be looking to get back to winning ways whey they get back to the Premier League football.