Mbekezeli Mbokazi scored a decisive late goal as Orlando Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Siwelele in their Carling Knockout first-round clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The result extended Pirates’ unbeaten run to 11 matches across all competitions, as Mbokazi’s growing influence in the team continued with a spectacular long-range effort in the closing minutes.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made one change to the side that defeated TS Galaxy 2-0 earlier in the week, with Oswin Appolis replacing Kamogelo Sebelebele. Siwelele, meanwhile, made six changes, including in goal, where Samkelo Xuli came in for Ricardo Goss.
The hosts had an early chance to take the lead when Evidence Makgopa won a penalty in the 3rd minute after being brought down by Keabetswe Khonyane. Makgopa struck the right-hand upright, missing the opportunity to score his second penalty in as many matches.
Pirates continued to create openings in the first half. Tshepang Moremi’s free-kick in the 11th minute missed the target, while Siwelele came close five minutes later when Samir Nurkovic headed over from Gape Moralo’s set piece.
Appolis and Relebohile Mofokeng combined effectively on the counter in the 26th minute, but the move lacked a finishing touch. Further chances fell to Moremi and Makgopa late in the first half, but neither was converted, while Deon Hotto’s free-kick was saved by Xuli just before the break.
Pirates maintained pressure after the interval, with Xuli spilling Moremi’s cross in the 52nd minute before recovering quickly. Siwelele threatened on the counter in the 73rd minute through substitute Chibuike Ohizu, but he failed to beat Mbokazi in a one-on-one situation inside the box.
The Buccaneers increased their attacking intensity in the final 15 minutes, with substitutes Kamogelo Sebelebele and Tshegofatso Mabasa both denied by Xuli.
The breakthrough came in the 87th minute. Mbokazi, advancing from defence, struck a powerful effort from distance that found the top right corner, securing Pirates’ progression to the next round.
© Premier Soccer League
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
