Spurs continue winning offseason

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Darren Bent was on target for Tottenham as they beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in Cape Town to make it two wins from two in the Vodacom Challenge.The £16.5million signing, partnering Jermain Defoe for the first time, put Spurs ahead in the first half before Wayne Routledge extended the lead after 83 minutes.

However, with five minutes left a thrice-taken penalty which was eventually converted by Joseph Kamwendo meant the north London side had to endure a nervous finish at Newlands Stadium.

The Pirates had the better of the opening exchanges but it was Tottenham who went ahead after 12 minutes.

Tom Huddlestone sent a 50-yard pass from deep inside his own half to Bent, who controlled the ball on the edge of the box before coolly lifting it over Pirates keeper Francis Chansa.

However, the hosts hit back with Kamwendo forcing a diving save from Spurs goalkeeper Radek Cerny who then made a one-on-one save from Lebohang Mokoena.

Younes Kaboul's 30-yard free kick then came back off the left-hand post with Chansa beaten.

The keeper then parried Adel Taarabt's fierce drive, Huddlestone sent the ball wide from Bent's cut-back and Chansa smothered from Defoe.

Shortly after half-time Joseph Makhanya fluffed a chance to level before Huddlestone had a fine long-range shot saved and Bent had a toe-poke cleared off the line.

Cerny had to be alert to save from Kamwendo but Spurs went further ahead with seven minutes remaining when Routledge converted Steed Malbranque's cross.

However, the Pirates pulled one back through a thrice-taken penalty after Pascal Chimbonda had pulled down Excellent Walaza.

Cerny saved the first spot kick from Walaza down to his left and the retaken one by the same player down to his right before Kamwendo slotted home, but Spurs held on.

source: Eurosport.com

It's a good win again for Spurs and good to get Bent on the scoresheet. I've been to see both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates play against Prem teams on tour in the old days and they take it very seriously and go all out to try and win.

Kaizer Chiefs are the team I supported when I lived in SA. I love those guys.