Pirates book semi spot
Peprah 60 0 (0) 1
Pirates progress to the semi-finals by winning a penalty shoot-out 4-3 after the quarter-final tie ends 1-1 on aggregate
GOALKEEPER Richard Ofori was the hero as he saved a penalty and scored the winning spot-kick which ensured that Orlando Pirates progressed to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup yesterday after they beat Simba SC in a penalty shoot-out.
Before penalties, Pirates had won the game 1-0 in regulation time to level the second leg quarter-final 1-1 on aggregate.
Having failed to progress past the quarter-finals of the competition last season, Pirates needed to change the script; not only to keep their own chances of winning silverware this season alive, but also for the greater national cause.
After Mamelodi Sundowns' 3-2 loss on aggregate to Petro de Luanda in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals on Saturday night, Pirates are the country's only hope as far as continental football is concerned.
And that's why many expected this venue to be filled to its 50% capacity.
But that wasn't the case, although the few fans that graced this occasion made their voices heard from the first whistle. The supporters of the two teams combined to produce a cacophony of noise that neutrals would have enjoyed.
The Bucs faithful complemented their team's bright start as the Sea Robbers looked to score with every foray into Simba's final third, while the visitors were happy with every miss and save.
Terrence Dzvukamanja was the first Pirates player to test the waters from close-range, forcing a save out of Aishi Manula.
The resultant rebound fell into the path of Kwame Peprah, who blasted his effort into the empty stands behind goal. Pirates had their second shot on target as Deon Hotto chipped over the wall from a well constructed set-piece that forced another diving save out of Manula.
Bandile Shandu, who's been Pirates' best player in this competition, also had a chance to score after being set-up by Peprah but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
But Simba's defence stood their ground as Pirates exerted pressure without any penetration.
After the break, Pirates threw in their “dancing sensation” Linda Mntambo for Abel Mabaso, hoping that his moves in the midfield would cut through Simba's wall. His first real contribution sailed into the stands, however, although the Bucs faithful appreciated the effort.
Fortune favoured Pirates when Simba were reduced to 10 men after Crispin Mugalu received a straight red card after he had stamped on Olisa Ndah.
Pirates duly capitalised on the advantage as Innocent Maela whipped in a curling cross that found an unmarked Peprah, whose header hit the back of the net.
Pirates continued to throw more numbers forward but they couldn't make the breakthrough in the 90 minutes but held their nerve to advance on penalties.