Pirates march into Carling Knockout semis

By Benjamin Nyirenda 

Result: Orlando Pirates 2-1 Magesi FC

Orlando Pirates advanced to the Carling Knockout semi-finals with a 2-1 win over defending champions Magesi FC on Tuesday evening. Orlando Pirates Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou handed recalls to Yanela Mbuthuma and Thabiso Lebitso following Saturday’s CAF Champions League exit, while young midfielder Camren Dansin got his first start of the season.

The Buccaneers made a lively start to the contest as Mbuthuma nearly opened the scoring inside the opening 15 minutes on two occasions, however, the striker was denied by a couple of fine stops from goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze. Magesi managed to carve out a big chance of their own against the run of play on 21 minutes when Abbey Sesane did well to pick out the run of Kgomotso Mosadi in the box, but the midfielder sent his first-time strike horribly wide of the mark.

READ MORE: Moremi shines as Pirates make MTN 8 history 

Pirates’ dominance continued, but the first half turned out by the Chipezeze show, as the reigning Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament produced another superb save after 32 minutes to deny Mbuthuma’s header from point-blank range, which was his sixth save of the half. After both sides hit the woodwork in the early stages, Chipezeze was finally beaten in the 50th minute when Tshepang Moremi collected a pass from Ndaba before finding the top corner with a superb strike from the edge of the box.

Magesi coach John Maduka responded with a double change ten minutes later, as Sesane and former Buccaneers midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu made way for Samuel Darpoh and Wonderboy Makhubu. The Buccaneers responded with a change of their own as Mbuthuma’s lively evening came to an end with 20 minutes to play, as Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa was introduced for the closing stages.

READ MORE: Pirates secure fourth MTN 8 Final spot in a row 

Makgopa made the perfect impact as he sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a lovely finish into the far corner after being picked out by Patrick Maswanganyi. The visitors did pull a goal back in second-half stoppage time through Lehlegonolo Mokone’s towering header, but it was too little too late as Pirates held on and advanced to the final four.

Line-ups: Orlando Pirates: 24. Chaine, 33. Seema, 44. Mbokazi, 37. Lebitso, 3. Ndaba, 46. Dansin, 15. Nemtajela, 28. Maswanganyi, 12. Appollis, 11. Moremi, 9. MbuthumaSubs: 35. Buthelezi, 36. Sebelebele, 23. Mbule, 21. Van Rooyen, 18. Dlamini, 17. Makgopa, 16. Mbatha, 7. Hotto, 5. Sibisi

Magesi FC: 1. Chipezeze, 2. Mashigo, 34. L.Mokone, 4. Makgoga, 8. J.Mokone, 63. Zungu, 26. Mtshali, 37. Sibanyoni, 21. Chirambadare, 40. Mosadi, 38. Sesane Subs: 24. Tshabalala, 6. Darpoh, 27. Modise, 10. Vandala, 3. Buthelezi, 41. Makhubu, 22. Mahlasela, 5. Mariba, 29. Mofokeng