Orlando Pirates eliminate Sekhukhune United to extend unbeaten run

Orlando Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 to reach the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals and complete a fourth victory over the same opponents this season.

The defending champions have now beaten United in both MTN8 semi-final matches, the first round of the Betway Premiership and the Carling Knockout Cup. They have also won six consecutive matches in all competitions.

Pirates could face Sekhukhune United twice more in the coming months. The teams are still due to meet in the second round of the league, while a further encounter remains possible in the Nedbank Cup.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be pleased with the result and the progress to the next stage, although his side’s wastefulness in front of goal will be a concern. Pirates controlled the second half and created several opportunities but were unable to add to their advantage.

They return to action on November 28, when they travel to Zanzibar to face Tanzanian club Simba SC in their opening match of the Champions League group stages.

That fixture will feature several familiar faces for Pirates, with Simba SC coached by Steve Barker and including players Neo Maema and Rushine de Reuck.

Sekhukhune United and coach Papi Zothwane will instead use the forthcoming Fifa international break to address the weaknesses exposed by another defeat. Their next match is on November 29, by which time Zothwane is likely to have worked on the issues that have left his side in the middle of the table.

Ouaddou made several changes to his starting line-up, leaving regulars Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thalente Mbatha out of the match-day squad. Oswin Appollis, who has had limited involvement this season, was named among the substitutes.

Appollis came on after 65 minutes for Mpho Phadime, and Pirates raised the tempo in the closing stages. Despite that increased pressure, they could not find a second goal.

Sipho Chaine, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe, Tshepang Moremi, Simphiwe Masilela and Yanela Mbuthuma were the only regular players to start for Pirates.

The absence of several established players gave Sbangani Zulu, Gamphani Lungu and Mpho Phadime an opportunity, and all three produced reasonable performances after being trusted by the coach.

Zothwane attempted to put Pirates’ central defenders Seema and Zulu under pressure by selecting two strikers, Chibuike Ohizu and Bethuel Muzeu. The approach failed to create the desired effect.

After an opening 30-minute spell that produced few clear chances, Pirates took the lead when Phadime punished a defensive error inside the United penalty area.

Mokobodi quickly played a short free-kick to Moremi, who sent a cross into the box. Phadime finished the move to put Pirates ahead.

Ouaddou later introduced younger players Sifiso Luthuli, Matome Mmolai and Neo Rapoo as Pirates continued their bid to retain the Carling Knockout Cup.