Moremi double helps Orlando Pirates reach Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals

Tshepang Moremi scored twice and created another goal as Orlando Pirates beat Milford FC 3-0 in their Carling Knockout Cup last-16 tie in Orlando on Tuesday.

The victory keeps the defending champions on course to retain the title, just days after they secured qualification for the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made two changes to the side that had featured in that success, leaving out Simphiwe Masilela and Nkosikhona Ndaba. Ghampani Lungu and Deon Hotto came into the starting line-up.

The Buccaneers made their attacking intentions clear during the opening five minutes. Lungu saw an effort saved by the goalkeeper, before Moremi sent a shot narrowly wide.

Moremi then played a decisive role in breaking the deadlock after 15 minutes. He picked out Thapelo Mokobodi, who finished to score in his second consecutive match.

Pirates continued to threaten as they searched for a second goal, with Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Moremi all attempting to extend their advantage.

Their pressure paid off in the 33rd minute. Mbatha combined with Moremi, who went around the goalkeeper before finding the net to make it 2-0.

Pirates were forced into a change six minutes later when Mpho Padime replaced the injured Lungu. Padime made an immediate impact, supplying Moremi in first-half stoppage time for the forward’s second goal of the evening.

The goal gave Pirates a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.

Neither side made a further change to its starting line-up? Pirates returned unchanged for the second half, while Milford introduced four substitutes.

The pace eased after the interval and it took nine minutes for another opportunity to develop. Moremi tried to create a chance for Padime, but a Milford defender reached the ball first.

Milford, known as the Stallions, registered their first effort on target a minute after the hour mark. Vusimuzi Mthabela’s attempt lacked power, however, and was comfortably dealt with by Sipho Chaine.

With the result effectively secured, Ouaddou began to manage his players’ workload from the 64th minute. Boitumelo Radiopane, Mohau Nkota, Cemran Dansin and Mthetheleli Mthiyane were brought on for Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Thalente Mbatha and Bulelani Sigomoshe.

Pirates saw out the remainder of the match without conceding and advanced to the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.