Pirates triumph in last-16 clash
ORLANDO Pirates warmed up for the Soweto Derby in the best way possible with a 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in their Telkom Knockout Cup last-16 clash.
The victory ensured both Soweto giants will enliven the league cup in the quarterfinals after their unceremonious MTN8 quarterfinal exits.
Muhsin Ertugral’s side were made to work hard as Clinton Larsen’s charges again refused to surrender meekly.
It took Orlando Pirates just 10 minutes to open their account through Mpho Makola.
While the cross-shot was a speculative one‚ the misjudgment from Arrows goalkeeper Max Mbaeva was a horrible one, as he did not know whether to go for the ball or hope it went out.
The manner in which Pirates celebrated the goal was telling.
It was the first goal in open play this season from anyone other than Tendai Ndoro‚ highlighting Pirates’ over-reliance on their Zimbabwean superstar.
Golden Arrows were not immediately stung into action but started to impose themselves on the game‚ even though clearcut first-half chances were few and far between.
Mauricio Barrios and Wayde Jooste had good opportunities in the fourth and 45th minutes, but goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo showed himself to be a far safer bet than Felipe Ovono.
Pirates could have scored more than their solitary firsthalf goal but indecision was their worst enemy.
When Jooste equalised with a well-taken free kick in the 63rd minute from just inside the D area‚ it was apt punishment for a Pirates side whose profligacy bordered on arrogance.
They missed two eminently good chances in the 58th and 60th minutes, when Thabo Rakhale and Ndoro lost composure with only Mbaeva to beat.
It took a magical solo run and expert finish by Luvuyo Memela in the 73rd minute to give Pirates the lead they deserved.
Other Telkom Knockout results: Baroka FC 3 Platinum Stars 1; Kaizer Chiefs 0 Maritzburg United 0 (Chiefs won 4-2 on penalties); SuperSport United 1 Ajax Cape Town 0; Free State Stars 3 Bidvest Wits 1; Highlands Park 2 Chippa United 0; Cape Town City 2 Bloemfontein Celtic 0.