Carling Knockout: Orlando Pirates qualify for semifinals

Orlando Pirates advanced to the semifinals of the Carling Knockout Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

With a massive league match upcoming on Saturday against reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou utilized some of his regular starters alongside a few rotation players and academy products. Despite dominating the first half, defending cup champions Magesi and their defense managed to hold out with a strong performance anchored by goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who won Man of the Match honors despite the defeat.

However, it did not take long for a breakthrough to arrive after halftime. In the 52nd minute, Tshepang Moremi unleashed a beautiful blast from distance that not even an inspired Chipezeze could get to and the hosts went ahead.

Magesi did show signs of potential in the second half but their efforts were frustrated by Bucs subsitute Evidence Makgopa, who turned in the penalty area and fired past Chipezeze in the 87th minute. The visitors finally got their goal deep into second half stoppage time through John Mokone but it was too little, too late as Pirates successfully bounced back from a shock premature CAF Champions League elimination on Saturday.

The Bucs join Golden Arrows and Richards Bay in the semifinals, who both advanced over the weekend. Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants will battle for the final Carling Knockout Cup semifinal slot on Wednesday.