A brace by Bernard Morrison secured a 2-0 victory for Orlando Pirates against Ajax Cape Town in their Nedbank Cup last 32 clash on Saturday night at the Orlando Stadium , writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The game got off to a slow start with both teams looking to sniff out each other’s weaknesses.

The Urban Warriors almost took the lead in the seventh minute when Tendai Ndoro latched on to a long throw before firing inches past the post.

Ndoro had another opportunity to break the deadlock minutes later, but his half-volley went over the crossbar.

Bernard Morrison had the first effort on target in the 24th minute, but his attempted chip went wide off the upright.

Morrison wasn’t to be denied again when he slotted home three minutes before the half-time break, following an inch-perfect pass from Justin Shonga.

Teenage midfielder Grant Margeman almost equalised matters with a ferocious effort from a distance; however, goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane made a great save to keep his side in the lead.

Pirates emerged as the stronger team in the second stanza and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead, courtesy of a fine solo effort by Morrison.

It was one-way traffic as Pirates continued their dominance for the remainder of the encounter to run out 2-0 victors and clinch a spot in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.

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