Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Orlando Pirates scooped the Engen Under-17 Soccer Challenge title with a well-deserved 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in a lively game at Marks Park yesterday.

Bucs ended the maiden competition without a defeat in six games, including the final and had conceded only a solitary goal.

From the onset Pirates attacked relentlessly and gave Sundowns defence a torrid time.

They almost found the net in the sixth minute of the first half but striker Mapogo Maphakane shot straight into the hands of the helpless Maqhina Zwelethu from close range.

Pirates were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute when Tshepo Xaba was tackled inside the box by Sundowns' on-rushing goalkeeper Zwelethu.

Cyril Mashigo stepped up and made no mistake from the resultant kick to give Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Sundowns' Klein capitalised on the Bucs goalminder Msizi Zulu's blunder to make the score 1-1 in the 23rd minute. Bongani Nxumalo got Pirates' second goal.