Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango on Saturday propelled his South African club Orlando Pirates to the round of 16 in the Nedbank Cup for the first time in three years.
The Malawian striker struck the lone goal against second-tier GladAfrica Championship outfit Uthongathi in the 63rd minute.
In a match monitored on SuperSport Television, Mhango coolly ghosted in to slot home a pass of utter beauty from Deon Hotto in the 63rd minute.
But in an interview from his Johannesburg base yesterday, the Buccaneers talisman admitted that they struggled to see off the minnows.
“It was not an easy game. There were moments when we struggled and the goal provided us with some relief.
“I am happy to have helped my team sail through to the last 16,” said Mhango, who was substituted seven minutes after scoring the priceless goal which was the third in this campaign.
Elsewhere, his compatriot Limbikani Mzava’s AmaZulu FC also sailed through after beating Lamontvile Golden Arrows 5-4 in post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Mzava, who is AmaZulu’s caretaker captain, said they were lucky to scrape through.
“We showed a lot of character by coming from a goal down to snatch a late equaliser and force the game into penalties.
“It was a tough and exciting match, but in the end, we had an ounce of luck,” he said.
But the sky fell on Malawian coach John Maduka after his club Bloemfontein Celtic suffered a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Cape Town City
Gerald Phiri Jnr and Richard Mbulu’s club Baroka FC face Cape Town Spurs this evening.
