Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals after they beat Free State Stars 3-1 at the James Motlatsi Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers enjoyed a good start to the match, while Ea Lla Koto’s Goodman Dlamini forced Siyabonaga Mpontshane into a good save inside the opening 15 minutes.

However, Pirates then opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Mpho Makola collected a pass from Happy Jele, before firing his effort into the far corner from 25-yards out to make it 1-0.

Meanwhile, Stars proved a threat in the final third, with Sinethemba Jantjie causing a Pirates a few problems down the left flank.

The Sea Robbers came close to doubling their lead in the 39th minute when Makola picked out Thabo Matlaba in the box, but the right back could only head his effort over the target from close range.

Stars levelled matters five minutes before the halftime interval when Sifiso Mbhele rose well to guide his headed effort into the far corner to make it 1-1.

In the 43rd minute, Stars goalkeeper Christoffer Maffoumbi came to his side’s rescue to deny Makola’s low, curling effort from close range to keep the scoreline locked at 1-1 as they headed into the half-time interval.

Stars responded by introducing Danny Venter to replace Goodman Dlamini in the 55th minute as they pushed for an equaliser.

Pirates then doubled their lead in the second half when Makola’s crossed the ball into the area, before Joseph Okumu headed the ball into his own net.

The Soweto giant then added a third when Oupa Manyisa started and finished a sublime counter attack before lobbing the ball over Maffoumbi to make it 3-1.

Pirates thought they’d won a penalty in the 68th minute when Thembinkosi Lorch went down in the Stars box, but the winger was booked for simulation.

Kjell Jonevret opted for a change on 70 minutes as Tendai Ndoro made way for Thamsanqa Gabuza, who scored in the previous round.

Ea Lla Koto were dealt a major blow in the 77th minute when Makhehlene Makhaula was sent off after a second booking for a foul on Makola.

Abbubaker Mobara found himself in an advanced position in the box and took a shot under Mahamutsa’s pressure, but the Pirates midfielder landed awkwardly and was forced off the field with an injury, and had to be replaced by Dove Wome.

The Buccaneers then added a fourth in the final minutes of stoppage time when Lorch produced a fine finish to find the back of the net from 12 yards out.

Orlando Pirates held on to their 4-1 lead until the final whistle to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix