Orlando Pirates exercised their Carling Knockout demons with a 2-1 win over reigning champions Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening to advance to the semi-finals.
Pirates enjoyed a dominant first half but found Elvis Chipezeze in inspiring form on the night, making six saves, while Yanela Mbuthuma, who was a real live-wire, smashed the cross bar from point blank range.
The Zimbabwe goalkeeper’s pick of the bench was also to deny the former Richards Bay striker, who he pulled off an incredible reflex save to prevent Mbuthuma’s header from hitting the back of the net.
John Maduka’s men were under the cosh, but had a slight threat on the break, Kgomotso Mosadi coming closest with a snapshot from range, but Sipho Chaine appeared comfortable about it.
The visitors came out the brighter of the two sides after the break – but Tshepang Moremi went on to settle the nerves with a wonder goal from range – finding the top right corner, leaving Chipezeze with no chance.
It set the tone at eSgodini on the evening before Evidence Makgopa added a second in the 87th minuet with a superb finish.
Magesi pulled one back in the 95th minute but it was a little too late, as Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side moved into the last-four with Richards Bay and Golden Arrows – while Stellenbosch and Marumo Gallants clash tomorrow for the final spot.
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