Richard Ofori’s blunder costs Orlando Pirates in MTN8

Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori was in action for Orlando Pirates as they were dumped out of MTN8 following their 2-1 defeat to Swallows FC on Saturday evening.

A blunder from Ofori saw his side lose narrowly at Orlando Stadium.

Swallows started the stronger of the two teams as they were duly rewarded in the 16th minute when Gamildien opened the scoring with a fine strike direct from a free-kick – Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori got a hand on the shot but was unable to keep it out.

Seven minutes later, Swallows doubled their advantage: Ofori came way off his line and successfully beat Dillon Solomons to a ball, before the Birds debutant robbed the keeper of possession and allowed Gamildien to score with a long-range effort into an unguarded net.

Pirates soon gave themselves a lifeline, with Deon Hotto earning a penalty in a challenge with countryman and Swallows goalkeeper Virgil Vries. Dlamini expertly converted the spot-kick to pull a goal back on the half-hour mark.

The goal was not enough as The Birds saw out a 2-1 win and join Golden Arrows in the semifinals, with the last two berths set to be decided by Sunday’s matches: Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu v Cape Town City.

Ofori lasted the entire duration of the game.