Carling Knockout: Moremi and Makgopa’s fine strikes deliver Pirates into semis

Tshepang Moremi’s fabulous strike and Evidence Makgopa’s late goal Orlando Pirates eased into the semi-final of the Carling Knockout following a 2-1 win over Magesi FC on Tuesday.

Pirates hosted the reigning champions at Orlando Stadium looking to bounce back from their weekend’s elimination from the CAF Champions League and they ensured they would not exit a second cup competition in three days.

Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma had the best chances for Pirates in the first half but they could not get past Elvis Chipezeze in the Magesi goal. Appollis saw his effort sail over the bar while Mbuthuma got on the end of a cross from Moremi before forcing Chipezeze into a good save.

Moremi with a class opener

That led to a goalless first half and the Buccaneers tightened the screws after the break, Appollis hitting the cross bar before Moremi’s moment of magic.

In the 51^st minute, Moremi received the ball from Nkosikhona Ndaba on the edge of the box before rifling in an unstoppable left-foot shot past Chipezeze as Pirates broke the deadlock.

Magesi responded with Abbey Sesane’s shot from a tight angle hitting the crossbar before a freekick floated into the Pirates’ penalty area was punched away by Sipho Chaine.

No late drama for Pirates 

Eight minutes from time, Patrick Maswanganyi worked his way into space before forcing Chipezeze into a low save to his left.

Substitute Makgopa ensured there would be no nervy finish to the game when he scored the second two minutes from time. Against the run of play, Maswanganyi passed the ball to Makgopa, who was unmarked in the box, and he slotted low past Chipezeze on the half-turn.

However, Magesi pulled one back in stoppage time through Lehlegonolo Mokone but it was too little too late.