Orlando Pirates reach Carling Knockout semi-finals after Mpho Padime strike

Defending champions Orlando Pirates reached the Carling Knockout semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon.

Mpho Padime scored the only goal in the 31st minute, marking his first-ever start for the first team with the decisive finish.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made one change to the midfield that started last weekend’s victory over Kaizer Chiefs, bringing in Padime for Thalenthe Mbatha. Sekhukhune United manager Papi Zothwane also altered his line-up, leaving former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi out and selecting Manuel Sapunga instead.

The Buccaneers controlled possession during the opening stages and came close to taking the lead inside 10 minutes. Deon Hotto delivered a cross towards the unmarked Ghampani Lungu, but the forward headed his effort into the side-netting.

Sekhukhune United were content to defend deep for much of the first half and looked to threaten on the counter-attack. Ohizu had an opportunity to exploit one such break, but was unable to finish the move.

Pirates eventually found the breakthrough when the Sekhukhune defence failed to clear a ball into the penalty area. Padime reacted quickest at the far post and fired into the net to put the home side ahead.

Sekhukhune made little attempt to change their attacking approach after the interval, allowing the Soweto side to maintain control as they searched for a second goal.

Ouaddou refreshed his attack shortly after the hour mark by sending on Oswin Appollis and Sifiso Luthuli. The change gave Luthuli his first appearance for the club since joining from Magesi in the last transfer window.

Pirates had a clear chance to secure the result with 10 minutes remaining. Tshepang Moremi was unmarked at the far post but, with only Sapunga to beat, the Bafana Bafana winger lifted his effort well over the crossbar.

Ouaddou was visibly unhappy with the miss. Pirates’ failure to make their chances count left Sekhukhune with hope of finding an equaliser as the match entered its closing stages, but the visitors could not force a way back into the contest.

Next five fixtures

Orlando Pirates: Simba FC (A), Golden Arrows (H), Stellenbosch (H), RS Berkane (H), Richards Bay (A)

Sekhukhune United: Siwelele FC (H), AmaZulu (H), Mamelodi Sundowns (A), Golden Arrows (H), Kruger United (A)