Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday afternoon.
The defending champions were made to work hard by Babina Noko to secure their spot in the last four, marking their fourth win over the same opponents across all competitions this season!
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side carved out the first opening inside seven minutes when Deon Hotto whipped a dangerous cross into the area, finding Gamphani Lungu, who could only direct his header into the side netting.
Sekhukhune offered a threat on the counter six minutes later when Chibuike Ohizu broke free through the middle, but a heavy second touch allowed Sipho Chaine to come off his line and claim with ease.
Ohizu went close again on 27 minutes, rising highest to head wide from a Sekhukhune corner, but it was Pirates who struck the decisive blow on the 30th minute mark when Mpho Padime reacted quickest at the back post to turn Tshepang Moremi’s cross home and hand the Sea Robbers the lead.
Babina Noko looked for an immediate response as Tshepo Mokoena drove down the right channel in the 39th minute, but his wild effort flew well wide of target.
Simphiwe Masilela almost doubled the advantage three minutes before the half-time break, testing Manuel Sapunga with a venomous long-range strike that the Sekhukhune keeper did well to save.
The visitors earned a free-kick in a promising position early in the second period, but Ngoanamelo Rammala’s strike ballooned over the crossbar without troubling Chaine.
Substitute Oswin Appollis made an instant impact after coming off the bench, forcing Sapunga into a fine save with a sharp angled strike in the 68th minute.
Masilela then had another go from distance five minutes later, but watched his long-range effort fly off target.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men managed to see out the remainder of the contest, holding onto their narrow lead while subsequently booking their place in the last four of the 2026 Carling Knockout.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
