Orlando Pirates continued their impressive run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, securing their place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals.
Mpho Padime scored the decisive goal in the first half as the defending champions maintained their hopes of retaining the trophy.
The Buccaneers came into the quarter-final in confident mood after winning their previous five matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 Soweto Derby triumph over Kaizer Chiefs.
Padime delivers the decisive moment
Pirates started positively and nearly took the lead in the opening minutes when Ghampani Lungu unleashed a powerful low effort that narrowly missed the target.
Sekhukhune also threatened, but Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and the defensive unit helped keep the visitors at bay.
The breakthrough arrived in the 32nd minute. Following a scramble inside the Sekhukhune penalty area, Padime was in the right position to slot the ball home from close range and give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
The goal proved to be the difference between the two sides at half-time.
Pirates hold on to secure qualification
Sekhukhune returned for the second half looking to find an equaliser, but Pirates remained organised and continued to create opportunities.
Padime thought he had another chance in the 57th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Deon Hotto later tested the Sekhukhune goalkeeper with a low shot, while Simphiwe Masilela saw an effort sail over the crossbar in the closing stages.
Despite the visitors’ attempts to get back into the contest, Pirates protected their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The 1-0 result confirmed the Buccaneers’ place in the last four of the competition and kept their title defence alive.
Buccaneers maintain dominance over Sekhukhune
The victory extended Pirates’ impressive recent record against Babina Noko.
Before Saturday’s encounter, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team had already beaten Sekhukhune three times this season across the Betway Premiership and MTN8 semi-finals.
Pirates had scored six goals without conceding in those previous meetings, giving them a significant psychological advantage heading into the cup clash.
However, Sekhukhune coach Papi Zothwane had been determined to prevent those results from influencing his team’s approach.
His side showed defensive discipline for long periods but ultimately could not find a way past the Buccaneers.
With the quarter-final hurdle now behind them, Pirates will turn their attention to the Carling Knockout semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of another domestic trophy.
Can Orlando Pirates successfully defend their Carling Knockout title? Share your thoughts in the comments.
