Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United for fourth time this season

Orlando Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 to reach the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals and complete a fourth consecutive 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 could meet again in the coming months, with a second league fixture still to be played and a possible Nedbank Cup meeting also on the horizon.

The result extended Pirates’ winning run to six matches in all competitions. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will want that form to continue after the Fifa international break, although he will be concerned by the number of chances his side failed to convert.

Pirates were particularly dominant in the second half, but could not add to their advantage. They next play on November 28, when they travel to Zanzibar to face Tanzanian club Simba SC in their opening Champions League group-stage match.

That fixture will reunite Pirates with several familiar figures. Simba SC are coached by Steve Barker and have Neo Maema and Rushine de Reuck in their squad.

Sekhukhune United and coach Papi Zothwane now have the international break to address the weaknesses exposed by the defeat. Their next match is on November 29, by which time Zothwane will hope to have resolved some of the problems that have left his team in mid-table.

Phadime settles tight contest

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.

Pirates fielded Sipho Chaine, Lebone Seema, Deon Hotto, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe, Tshepang Moremi, Simphiwe Masilela and Yanela Mbuthuma from their regular group. The absence of some established players gave Sbangani Zulu, Gamphani Lungu and Mpho Phadime an opportunity, and all three produced reasonable performances.

Zothwane began with two strikers, Chibuike Ohizu and Bethuel Muzeu, as he looked to place pressure on Pirates’ central defenders Seema and Zulu. The approach did not produce the desired effect, with few clear chances created during the opening 30 minutes.

Pirates eventually broke the deadlock when Phadime took advantage of a defensive error inside the United penalty area. Mokobodi restarted a free-kick quickly and played a short pass to Moremi, whose cross allowed Phadime to find the net.

Appollis replaced Phadime after 65 minutes, and Pirates increased the tempo as the match progressed, although they could not score again.

In the closing stages, Ouaddou introduced younger players Sifiso Luthuli, Matome Mmolai and Neo Rapoo as Pirates continued their bid to retain the trophy.