Orlando Pirates secured their passage to the Carling Knockout semi-finals after grinding out a 2-1 victory over defending champions Magesi FC on Tuesday evening.
Following their CAF Champions League exit at the weekend, coach José Riveiro rotated his squad, giving starts to Nkosikhona Ndaba, Thabiso Lebitso, Camren Dansin, and youngster Yanela Mbuthuma.
Pirates started with intent, as Mbuthuma almost found the net within five minutes after capitalising on a defensive lapse, but veteran Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze produced a fine save to deny him.
Chipezeze was kept busy early on, getting down sharply to block Masindi Nemtajela’s low drive. The Buccaneers kept pressing, and midway through the first half Mbuthuma rattled the crossbar from a teasing delivery on the left.
Despite dominating possession, the Soweto giants grew increasingly frustrated as Chipezeze pulled off another incredible reflex stop to deny Mbuthuma’s close-range header.
Their persistence finally paid off five minutes into the second half when Tshepang Moremi created space inside the box and unleashed a rocket into the top corner, giving Chipezeze no chance.
Magesi nearly hit back immediately as Lehlogonolo Mokone’s tight-angle strike clipped the woodwork with Sipho Chaine rooted to the spot. But Pirates regained control of the game and introduced fresh legs in the form of Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Deon Hotto, and Kabelo Dlamini to maintain their tempo.
The second goal arrived three minutes from time — Makgopa finishing smartly from a tight angle after a slick passing move that sliced through Magesi’s defence.
The Limpopo-based side managed a late consolation when Mokone headed home from a free-kick in stoppage time, but Pirates held firm to book their place in the last four of the competition.
Final Score:
Orlando Pirates 2–1 Magesi FC
(Moremi 50’, Makgopa 87’ – L. Mokone 90’)
Line-ups
Magesi FC: Chipezeze, Mashigo, L. Mokone, Makgoga, J. Mokone, Zungu, Mtshali, Sibanyoni, Chirambadare, Mosadi, Sesane
Subs: Tshabalala, Darpoh, Modise, Vandala, Buthelezi, Makhubu, Mahlasela, Mariba, Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba, Dansin, Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Appollis, Moremi, Mbuthuma
Subs: Buthelezi, Sebelebele, Mbule, Van Rooyen, Dlamini, Makgopa, Mbatha, Hotto, Sibisi