Orlando Pirates edge Sekhukhune United to reach Carling Knockout semi-finals

Orlando Pirates secured their place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Mpho Padime scored the only goal of the match in the first half, sending Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side through to the last four after a closely contested encounter.

Pirates started strongly and controlled most of the possession in the opening stages, while Sekhukhune United struggled to establish any attacking rhythm. Clear chances were limited, however, as both defences remained well organised.

Padime produced the first notable attempt when he struck from distance, with his effort narrowly clearing the crossbar.

Sekhukhune then came close to taking the lead in the 27th minute. Chibuike Ohizu met a corner with a close-range header, but the ball bounced into the ground and over the bar.

Pirates made the visitors pay for that missed opportunity five minutes later. Tshepang Moremi delivered a cross into the area and Padime reacted quickest, turning the ball home to put the hosts in front.

The Limpopo side were unable to respond immediately, with Pirates continuing to pose the greater threat whenever they advanced. The home team took its 1-0 advantage into the interval.

Pirates resumed with the same control after the break, using their possession to dictate the pace and keep Sekhukhune from building sustained pressure.

As the second half developed, Sekhukhune began to create some opportunities of their own in search of an equaliser. Despite those openings, Babina Noko could not find a way through the Pirates defence.

With his team beginning to lose its grip on the contest, the Pirates manager made tactical changes to restore control and protect the lead.

The introduction of Appollis helped revive Ezimnyama Ngenkani. Pirates soon regained the initiative and launched a series of attacks as they looked for a second goal to settle the tie.

That goal did not arrive, but the hosts remained disciplined at the back and held on until the final whistle. The result eliminated Sekhukhune United from the tournament and confirmed Orlando Pirates’ place in the semi-finals.