Orlando Pirates are through to the Carling Knockout semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers ended the defending championsβ run thanks to goals from Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa, booking their place among the last four for the first time since 2018.
Orlando Pirates Start Slow but Grow into the Game
The Soweto Giants were under early pressure as Magesi dominated the opening five minutes. Pirates gradually found their rhythm, with Yanela Mbuthuma leading the attack. He tested goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze several times but was denied by the veteran shot-stopper.
Pirates created several chances through Masindi Nemtajela and Patrick Maswanganyi, but poor finishing and brilliant saves from Chipezeze kept the scores level. Mbuthuma came close to breaking the deadlock when his shot struck the crossbar, while Kgomotso Mosadi missed a rare chance for the visitors.
Moremi Opens the Scoring
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 51st minute. Tshepang Moremi collected a pass from Nkosikhona Ndaba on the edge of the box and curled a superb effort beyond Chipezeze. The goal sent the crowd into celebration and lifted the teamβs confidence.
Magesi almost responded immediately when Abbey Sesane hit the crossbar, but Pirates maintained control of the match. The home side continued to push forward, creating more chances through Maswanganyi and Ndaba.
Substitute Evidence Makgopa made his impact felt after coming on in the 68th minute. The striker showed great composure inside the box to double Piratesβ lead in the closing stages. Magesi managed to score a late consolation through Lehlogonolo Mokone, but it was not enough to deny Pirates a well-deserved win.
Ouaddou Demands More from His Players
After the match, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised his teamβs performance but admitted he was not fully satisfied with the closing minutes. Speaking to SABC Sport, he said:
βAt halftime, we should have been leading by three or four goals. We need to improve quickly if we want to be ambitious. I was not happy with the last 15 minutes because we started passing the ball around instead of going for a third goal. We must be more clinical in front of goal.β
Whatβs Next for the Buccaneers
The win means Orlando Pirates are one step closer to lifting the Carling Knockout trophy. They will now face Stellenbosch, Richards Bay, or Golden Arrows in the semifinals. If they advance to the final, it will take place on 6 December 2025.
Before that, the Buccaneers turn their attention to the Betway Premiership as they prepare for a crucial clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. A win could move Pirates level on points with the log leaders, keeping their title hopes alive.
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After an early exit last season, this win shows that Pirates are determined to bring the energy and fight for every competition they enter. The Ghost will be hoping the team maintains this momentum as they aim for another piece of silverware.
