The victory marked a remarkable resurgence for Orlando Pirates, who were eager to bounce back from their 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership the previous weekend.
Right from the first whistle, Pirates dominated possession, launching a series of attacks on Baroka’s defense.
One of their early efforts came from Relebohile Mofokeng, who cut inside from the left flank, only for his curling shot to be brilliantly tipped over the bar by Baroka goalkeeper Malcolm Jacobs in the 19th minute.
Pirates’ pressure eventually paid off in the 29th minute when Tshegofatso Mabasa capitalized on a precise assist from Deon Hotto, slotting the ball home for the opening goal.
Baroka had a brief chance to level the score when Thuso Mogale raced down the left wing, but his curling shot flew wide of the target.
The Buccaneers continued to dictate the play, and just before halftime, they doubled their lead with a beautiful team move finished off by Mabasa for his brace, making it 2-0 at the break.
Baroka came out stronger after the break, stringing together some promising passes, but they struggled to break through the Pirates’ defense.
Their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Mabasa completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, finishing off another well-crafted move from the Buccaneers to make it 3-0.
With 15 minutes remaining, Baroka won a free-kick just outside the box, and Sydney Malivhali drilled in a powerful low strike to pull one back.
A late defensive slip-up from Pirates substitute Innocent Maela nearly allowed Baroka to grab a second goal, but they failed to capitalize on the mistake.
Despite a late surge from Baroka, it was too little, too late, as the defending Nedbank Cup champions powered through to the next round with confidence.
