Defending champions Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Mpho Padime’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Buccaneers held off a determined Babina Noko side to advance to the last four and keep their title defence on track.
Pirates dominated possession during the opening exchanges, with Sekhukhune adopting a cautious approach and looking to absorb the pressure. The hosts frequently found space down the left flank, where Padime and Tshepang Moremi provided attacking impetus.
Their dominance paid off in the 32nd minute following a quick-thinking free-kick routine. Pirates caught the Sekhukhune defence off guard with a quick delivery into the penalty area, where a defensive mix-up allowed Padime to poke the ball home from close range.
Sekhukhune threatened before the interval, with Chibuike Ohizu getting on the end of a lofted delivery, but his header failed to produce an equaliser.
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Pirates continued to control possession after the restart, although the introduction of Oswin Appollis in the second half added urgency to their attacking play.
The Buccaneers came close to doubling their advantage in the 80th minute when Deon Hotto and Appollis combined before finding Moremi inside the box. However, the forward failed to capitalise, sending his effort over the crossbar.
Sekhukhune pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Tsepho Mokoane forcing Sipho Chaine into a reaction save with approximately five minutes remaining.
Despite the late pressure and rain at the Orlando Amstel Arena, Pirates held on to secure victory and a place in the semi-finals as they continue their quest to retain the Carling Knockout title.
Ouaddou pleased with squad depth
Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was pleased with the performances of the players who were given an opportunity, explaining that squad rotation was important as the club prepares for its CAF Champions League commitments.
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With approximately 35 players in his squad, the coach emphasised the need to keep everyone motivated while expanding the group of players he can trust.
I was not disappointed about their performance, and now I extend my group of players, especially at that moment, because we are going to play the Champions League and you need really to have a group of players that you can trust,” said Ouaddou.
However, he admitted that his team needed to improve its game management, particularly in the second half, stressing the importance of controlling the tempo rather than playing at high intensity throughout the match.
You cannot play speed football during 90 minutes. You have to sometimes slow down, increase the intensity, and sometimes you have to manage the tempo,” he added.
Zothwane proud despite defeat
Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane congratulated Pirates on their progression but felt his side had delivered a good performance, with a lapse in concentration proving costly.
He explained that his players had been instructed to delay the free-kick restart to allow the defence to reorganise, but Pirates’ quick execution caught them off guard.
The game plan that we had today, it worked until a lapse of concentration […] In that moment we conceded a goal,” said Zothwane.
The coach also highlighted chances Chibuike Ohizu missed and explained that he made his second-half changes to add attacking width and create more opportunities through crosses and one-on-one situations.
Although Sekhukhune pushed Pirates in the second half, they were unable to find an equaliser.
Zothwane nevertheless praised his players for their commitment and discipline against a quality opponent.
With the high quality of Pirates, give them a small chance, they will punish you. But overall, I am proud of the effort of our players. The commitment, the willingness, sticking to the instructions. I think our team did very, very well against Orlando Pirates,” he added.