Orlando Pirates edged Durban City 2-1 after extra time in the opening MTN8 quarter-final on Saturday afternoon.
Despite securing their place in the semi-finals, the Buccaneers will not be entirely satisfied with their performance.
Pirates struggled to break down a stubborn Durban City defence, even after being handed a numerical advantage. After Poggenpoel was shown a red card for a foul on Tshepang Moremi, it appeared that the Buccaneers would cruise to victory.
However, City responded shortly after half-time and continued to fight as though they still had 11 players on the pitch.
Pirates MTN8 struggles a concern this season
Pirates created several chances, but once again struggled to convert them. This was a problem for the club throughout last season, and their inability to address it was evident against Durban City.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced the likes of Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma and Patrick Maswanganyi. Still, the substitutions failed to make the desired impact as Pirates were eventually dragged into extra time.
The winning goal finally arrived in the final minute of extra time when new signing Ghampani Lungu found the back of the net to send Pirates into the semi-finals.
Here are the major lessons from Orlando Pirates’ victory in the MTN8.
Pirates still struggle from set pieces
Pirates usually win more than 10 set-piece opportunities in a match, but they often fail to turn those chances into genuine goal-scoring opportunities.
Against Durban City, the Buccaneers won more than 20 corners, yet very few of them caused any real problems for the opposition goalkeeper.
Ironically, their decisive goal came from a corner, with Lungu finding space after City failed to mark him properly.
The lack of quality delivery and finishing from set pieces remains a concern. It is an area Pirates will need to improve, particularly with the CAF Champions League ahead.
Pirates looked ordinary in the MTN8 quarter-finals
Kabelo Kgositsile shows promise
Among the new players introduced, Kabelo Kgositsile was one of the most impressive.
The youngster looked lively and threatened the Durban City defence on several occasions. His pace and movement caused problems and gave Pirates another attacking outlet.
Some of the other new arrivals, however, failed to make the same impact. They appeared a level below established players such as Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi.
Lungu, in particular, struggled for much of the match, but his late winner showed the quality he possesses. Scoring such an important goal could also provide him with a much-needed confidence boost.
Thabiso Sesane’s departure could hurt Pirates
With Nkosinathi Sibisi injured, Ouaddou was forced to make changes in central defence and brought in Mpho Chabatsane.
His partnership with Lebone Seema raised questions, particularly after City managed to score soon after the defensive changes.
Pirates may have been better served keeping Thabiso Sesane, who could have been allowed to impress during the second half of last season.
Had Sesane remained at the club throughout pre-season, he would also have had more time to develop an understanding with Seema.
Given his quality and experience, Sesane could have provided Pirates with another option in defence, especially in a match where they had a numerical advantage for such a long period.
Oswin Appollis’ form remains a concern
Coming into the match, Appollis was seen as Pirates top player and maybe one of the contenders for Last Man Stadning in the MTN8.
Appollis has struggled for form since the FIFA World Cup and once again failed to make a significant impact against Durban City.
The winger was largely ineffective during the match, but considering the lack of impact from some of the substitutes, Pirates may have benefited from keeping him on the pitch.
His lack of creativity and goals has become a concern, particularly when Pirates are dominating possession but struggling to find a way through compact defences.
The Buccaneers will need more from one of their key attacking players as the season progresses.
More struggles upfront for Pirates
Radipane is not the solution
Boitumelo Radipane came on for Yanela Mbuthuma and saw plenty of the ball, but once again failed to provide the cutting edge Pirates needed.
Looking comfortable in possession is not enough for a striker. The primary responsibility is to create clear opportunities and, most importantly, score goals.
Radipane had a late opportunity to seal the victory when he was presented with a chance to make it 3-1, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper.
Pirates supporters have already expressed frustration with both Radipane and Mbuthuma over their inability to convert chances in the MTN8 quarter-final.
With the CAF Champions League also on the horizon, Pirates may need to consider investing in a proven top-class striker if they want to compete on multiple fronts.
