Orlando Pirates labour past Sekhukhune to make Carling Knockout semi-final

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Orlando Pirates labour past Sekhukhune to make Carling Knockout semi-final
Mpho Rammala of Sekhukhune and Gamphani Lungu of Orlando Pirates, Image - Sekhukhune United

Defending champions Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United by a solitary goal on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium to advance to the Carling Knockout semi-final.

Bucs were keen stamping their authority on Babina Noko who they had beaten four times in the previous three meetings across all competitions.

In their bit to prevent a fourth straight loss to the same opponent, the visitors didn’t take chances with their team.

Padime underlines his worth!

Cheered by thousands of the home fans, Bucs dominated proceedings from the first whistle hoping to draw blood early enough and destabilize Babina Noko. Nevertheless, Sekhukhune eventually settled, but still struggled to break the opponent’s defence.

Paul Padime of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal.
Paul Padime of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal. Image: Orlando Pirates

Chibuike Ohizu had a decent opportunity in the 20th minute but his heavy touch saw Sipho Chaine deal with the threat easily.

For Pirates, Gamphani Lungu and Mpho Padime also had their chances; but it was the latter who found the back of the net in the 31st minute following Babina Noko’s failure to clear the ball from their danger-zone.

Tshepo Mokoena and Simphiwe Masilela had their opportunities, but while the former’s effort went wide, goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga denied the second-mentioned as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the defending champions.

Bucs do just enough

The first seven minutes after the break saw Sekhukhune win a corner and a free-kick in a good position, but they didn’t make use of them notably the second one where Mpho Rammala sky-rocketed the ball.

Sapunga was then called to action in the 60th minute as Thapelo Mokobodi pulled the trigger from range. Sifiso Luthuli and Oswin Appollis also saw their efforts stopped by the custodian.

Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis
Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis Image: Orlando Pirates

The best chance, arguably, fell to Bucs in the 77th minute, but Appollis pass to Tshepang Moremi was a fraction late and Babina Noko survived. Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had to be at his best to pull a great save with five minutes to go, and ensure Pirates made the semis.

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

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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