Two in two for Ouaddou! Pirates get past stubborn Gallants to win Carling Knockout in Mbokazi’s last match for Bucs

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Two in two for Ouaddou! Pirates get past stubborn Gallants to win Carling Knockout in Mbokazi’s last match for Bucs

Orlando Pirates are the new Carling Knockout champions after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Saturday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Bucs came into the match hoping to avenge the initial loss to Gallants in the Premier Soccer League.

Nevertheless, they were not going to find it easy against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa who have been a hard nut to crack, especially against top teams, this season.

Pirates fail to take their chances

Evidence Makgopa had a massive chance to give Orlando Pirates a deserved lead after just three minutes. Washington Arubi was dispossessed in the area and the ball fell kindly to the Bafana Bafana striker. However, his tame effort was just straight at Marvin Sikhosana who had gone to cover the goal.

Defensive lapses after a quarter-an-hour allowed Katlego Otladisa in the area. The winger hurriedly went for a hard but low cross, that, unfortunately, found no Bahlabane Ba Ntwa player to connect it.

The Buccacneers had another massive chance to, at least, hit the target when Thalente Mbatha put the ball in control about 16 yards from Arubi’s goal. However, the midfielder just couldn’t hit the bull’s eye much to the frustration of the home fans.

Veteran Zimbabwe internationa Arubi pulled some excellent saves in the first half to deny Appollis and Makgopa, but Bucs should blame themselves for not getting a goal before the break.

Quiet second half

Determined Bucs continued pressing for a goal after the pause, with Arubi stopping Tshepang Moremi who had been introduced in place of veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, in the 56th minute.

In the remaining remaining 30 minutes or so, Gallants opted to go for a low block and relied on counter attacks as opposed to the Premier Soccer League leaders who had intentions of putting the ball in the back of the net.

A goal-line clearence in the stoppages ensured the match went to the extra 30 minutes.

The story of the extra time

In the second minute of the extra time, Thabiso Lebitso managed to get into a promising area. His effort, however, from the edge of the 18-yard area was calmly collected by Arubi.

Six minutes later, Sipho Mbule – who had come in late into the game, had his opportunity to try beating the 40-year-old custodian. But the custodian was not in a mood to concede.

Arubi was finally beaten in the 10th minute as Relebohile Mofokeng’s shot found its way past a forest of Gallants defenders before finally crossing the goalline.

Bucs held on to win and ensure their supporters have another trophy to celebrate this season.

It was the last game for Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Orlando Pirates colours ahead of his move to the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

<!-- 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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