Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Siwelele in the Carling Knockout last-16 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
In the early kickoff that played simultaneous to ORBIT College and TS Galaxy at Olympia Park, the home side were the overwhelming favourites due to the contrasting form.
Chasing an eighth consecutive win and clean sheet, Pirates had the perfect chance to open the scoring, but Evidence Makgopa saw his penalty crash off the post, to the relief of goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
The South Africa international who starred at the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) was enjoying a rare start in the starting line-up, deputising for Ricardo Goss and performed well with the Buccaneers creating a host of chances in the opening half.
But it was the visitors who nearly stole a lead, through influential midfielder Grant Margeman with a stunning long range effort that sailed inches away from sneaking into Sipho Chaine’s inside post.
Abdeslam Ouaddou made a change at the break bringing in the more attack minded Abdoulaye Mariko for Sihle Nduli in midfield with the game goalless.
And with the game growing increasingly tighter, with less chances, the hour mark saw four changes between Ouaddou and Lehohonolo Seema, with Vincent Pule, and Chibuike Ohizu on for the ineffective Sameklo Zwane and Samir Nurkovic.
Kamogelo Sebelebele replaced the injured Relebohile Mofokeng – who was stretchered off, while Tshegofatso Mabasa – chasing the club’s all-time scoring record was brought on for Makgopa.
It was the visitors who then took some asendency, but both sides had half chances to snatch the winner – and it eventually arrived when Mbokazi sent a rocket from far out into the back of the net to send Orlando Stadium into raptures.
