Pirates secure spot in semis

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates secured their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals after claiming a hard-fought 2-0 win over AC Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The South African giants needed a point to secure a spot in the last four, but AC Leopards could not stop the fine form of the Parktown-based outfit.

The home side were quick out the starting blocks, putting together some wonderful passing moves. Thamsanqa Gabuza almost grabbed the game’s opener early in the half but the striker could not reach the ball for the tap-in.

The visitors began to gain some momentum as the match progressed but Siyabonga Sangweni was calm and collected at the back to deal with the attacks.

Ngoe was forced into a save around the 15th minute as Eric Tinkler's men upped the tempo in search of the game's opener.  It was then Felipe Ovono 's chance to be tested just before the 20th minute after a lovely break from Leopards, but the Pirates shot-stopper was up to the task.

It was end-to-end action as the encounter got heated, but Mpho Makola was the man who got the breakthrough in the 33rd minute after Kermit Erasmus layed the ball well for the midfielder to score, 1-0.

The visitors added numbers into the attack in an effort to get an equaliser before the break, but Issa Sarr and co. were having none of it. Ovono produced a blinder of a save on the stroke of half-time to ensure that the Buccaneers headed into the break with the advantage.

The second stanza continued where the first left off, as the heated midfield battle resumed once more with Sarr in the thick of things.

Gabuza and Sfiso Myeni had great opportunities to extend Pirates' lead just after the 70th minute, but Ngoe did well to deny both attackers.

The men in black were beginning to look a class above their opponents as the clock was running down.

They launched wave after wave of attack, until Lehlohonolo Majoro spotted Oupa Manyisa who slotted it home to make it 2-0 after 86 minutes of play.

Leopards had no response and Bucs held on for the victory.