Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals
with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over defending champions Magesi FC,
delivering a perfect response to their recent continental disappointment.
In a match defined by a standout goalkeeping performance, it was a
super-substitute striker who ultimately made the difference, sending the
Buccaneers through to the final four.
Chipezeze Stands Tall as Pirates Dominate
Fresh off their CAF Champions League exit, Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side
started with intent. Recalled striker Yanela Mbuthuma was a constant
threat, but repeatedly found himself thwarted by Magesi’s inspired
goalkeeper, Elvis Chipezeze. The reigning Carling Knockout Player of the
Tournament produced a first-half masterclass, making six crucial
saves—including a stunning point-blank denial of Mbuthuma—to keep the
scores level.
Despite Pirates’ dominance, Magesi had a golden chance against the run of
play, but Kgomotso Mosadi skewed his effort wide, letting the home side
off the hook.
Moremi’s Magic Breaks the Deadlock
The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the restart. Tshepang
Moremi received a pass from Olisa Ndaba on the edge of the box and
unleashed a spectacular strike into the top corner, finally beating the
formidable Chipezeze.
Super-Sub Makgopa Seals the Deal
With Magesi pushing for an equalizer, Ouaddou introduced Bafana Bafana
forward Evidence Makgopa for the final twenty minutes. The substitution
proved decisive. With just three minutes of regular time remaining,
Makgopa was expertly played through by Patrick Maswanganyi and coolly
slotted the ball into the far corner to double Pirates’ lead and seemingly
seal the victory.
A towering stoppage-time header from Magesi’s Lehlegonolo Mokone set up a
nervy finish, but Pirates held on to secure a deserved semi-final berth.
The win not only avenges their defeat to Magesi in the same competition
last season but also successfully shifts the team’s momentum back towards
a passionate pursuit of domestic silverware.
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Lineups:
Orlando Pirates: Chaine; Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba; Dansin,
Nemtajela; Appollis (Hotto 78′), Maswanganyi, Moremi (Mbule 85′); Mbuthuma
(Makgopa 70′).
Subs Not Used: Buthelezi, Sebelebele, Van Rooyen, Dlamini, Mbatha, Sibisi.
Magesi FC: Chipezeze; Mashigo, L. Mokone, Makgoga, J. Mokone; Zungu
(Darpoh 60′), Mtshali; Chirambadare (Mahlasela 75′), Sibanyoni, Mosadi
(Makhubu 60′); Sesane (Mariba 75′).
Subs Not Used: Tshabalala, Modise, Vandala, Buthelezi, Mofokeng.
