Carling Knockout: Orlando Pirates edge Richards Bay to reach final

Orlando Pirates are through to the final of the Carling Knockout Cup following Saturday’s 1-0 semifinal victory over Richards Bay at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Tshepang Moremi’s strike at the end of the first half was enough for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who successfully neutralized the Richards Bay attack throughout the match. Moremi excellently took down an incisive pass from Oswin Appollis before firing his finish past goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

The hosts from KwaZulu Natal hardly had a sniff of the opposition goal in the first half, with forwards Gabadinho Mhango and Knox Mutizwa posing little threat to the Bucs defense led by Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezile Mbokazi. After dominating possession with several opportunities, the visitors made the breakthrough courtesy of Appollis’ defense-splitting pass to Moremi.

Pirates will now await the winner of Sunday’s second semifinal between Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants at the King Zwelithini Stadium.