Orlando Pirates Edge Magesi FC 2-1 to Reach Carling Knockout Semi-Finals

Orlando Pirates advanced to the Carling Knockout semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made several changes following the club’s CAF Champions League exit, recalling Yanela Mbuthuma and Thabiso Lebitso to the starting lineup. Youngster Camren Dansin earned his first start of the season, showing promise in midfield.

The Buccaneers started with high intensity. Mbuthuma came close twice in the opening 15 minutes, forcing Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze into two fine saves. Chipezeze continued his excellent form, frustrating the Pirates attack throughout the first half.

Magesi nearly snatched a goal against the run of play when Abbey Sesane found Kgomotso Mosadi in space, but the midfielder fired wide from close range. The half ended with Chipezeze denying Mbuthuma yet again, producing a sixth save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 50th minute. Tshepang Moremi latched onto a pass from Ndaba and unleashed a curling shot from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner. It was a strike of real quality that finally beat the in-form Chipezeze.

Magesi coach John Maduka made a double substitution soon after, introducing Samuel Darpoh and Wonderboy Makhubu to add fresh energy. Pirates countered with their own change, replacing Mbuthuma with Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa.

Makgopa made an immediate impact. In the 87th minute, he found the bottom corner after a clever assist from Patrick Maswanganyi, doubling Pirates’ advantage and sealing control of the game.

Magesi managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time when Lehlegonolo Mokone rose highest to head home, but Pirates held firm to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Ouaddou’s men showed improved focus and sharpness after their continental exit, with Moremi and Makgopa delivering when it mattered most. The result gives the Buccaneers a morale boost as they continue their domestic campaign.

Starting Lineups

Magesi FC: Chipezeze, Mashigo, L. Mokone, Makgoga, J. Mokone, Zungu, Mtshali, Sibanyoni, Chirambadare, Mosadi, Sesane
Subs: Tshabalala, Darpoh, Modise, Vandala, Buthelezi, Makhubu, Mahlasela, Mariba, Mofokeng

Orlando Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba, Dansin, Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Appollis, Moremi, Mbuthuma
Subs: Buthelezi, Sebelebele, Mbule, Van Rooyen, Dlamini, Makgopa, Mbatha, Hotto, Sibisi

Pirates now await the semi-final draw, eyeing another Carling Knockout title to add to their growing domestic trophy haul.