Did you see that? Watch Mbokazi’s magic as Pirates seal Carling Knockout last eight berth

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Did you see that? Watch Mbokazi’s magic as Pirates seal Carling Knockout last eight berth
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi

A Mbekezeli Mbokazi strike was all Orlando Pirates needed to beat Siwelele in the Round of 16 Carling Knockout game played on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium.

Last season, the Buccaneers were eliminated by eventual champions Magesi FC after falling 3-2 in the same stage, and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was keen on ensuring it

This was a massive break for Siwelele who have been struggling to deliver in the Premier Soccer league.

Makgopa misses a penalty!

It took Pirates under three minutes to get a massive opportunity to get their opening goal. Relebohile Mofokeng went past his marker before squaring the ball to Evidence Makgopa.

Keabetswe Khonyane clipped the bulky striker leaving the referee with little option but to point to the penalty spot. Despite beating the goalkeeper, Makgopa's effort came off the woodwork and Siwelele survived.

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic had a chance to at least hit the target for the visitors in the 15th minute, but his header, from a set piece, went wide much to the relief of the defenders who had failed to clear the initial danger.

In the 35th minute, Deon Hotto brought in a good cross from the left that beat the goalkeeper and his defenders. Nevertheless, lack of communication between Makgopa and Appollis saw Siwelele bailed out again.

Pirates were almost punished for their recklessness from a free-kick in the 39th minute, but Grant Margeman's long-range effort narrowly missed the target with Sipho Chaine desperate to have a touch.

The last meaningful action in the stroke of halftime fell to Tshepang Moremi who failed to guide home a brilliant low cross from Makgopa.

Mbokazi steals it at the death

Substitute Abdoulaye Mariko, who had come in for Sihle Nduli, forced the goalkeeper to a fine save two minutes after the break. The resulting cormed ended with Makgopa's header coming off the crossbar, before teh danger was eventualy dealt with.

As opposed to the initial half, the visitors looked composed, denying the Soweto giants spaces to roam freely as they did. It led to frustrations for Bucs who ended committing unnecessary fouls that resulted to cautions.

South Africa international Sipho Chaine was forced into a good save by Siwelele in the 85th minute which initiated a counter attack by the hosts. A poor clearence ended with the ball falling on Mbekezeli Mbokazi's feet. The youngster unleashed a rocket from about 40 yards that was too much for Samukelo Xulu.

It turned out to be the winner for Pirates who can now dream of going all the way.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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