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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates booked their spot in the Telkom Knockout semi-finals after defeating Highlands Park 2-1 at Orlando Stadium.
According to the Soccer Laduma website, it was a lively start to the encounter, as both sides made their intentions clear from the onset.
Although the first real opening arrived after 15 minutes when
Brighton Mhlongo was forced into a superb save by Thanduyise Khuboni's
long range effort.
The Buccaneers started to dictate play after the 20-minute mark
and should have gone ahead after 26 minutes but Luvuyo Memela managed to
head wide from six-yards out.
Gordon Igesund's charges were quite content to sit back for the
rest of the opening half, with the hope of catching Pirates on the
counter.
However, Pirates eventually broke the deadlock in the 39th minute
when Augustine Mbara headed Memela's free-kick into his own net, 1-0.
Pirates doubled their lead on the hour mark, as some quick
thinking saw Thabo Rakhale play in Mpho Makola, who teed up Tendai Ndoro
to tap home from six-yards out.
Highlands pulled a goal back a few minutes later when when an un-marked Mothobi Mvala headed past Mhlongo from six-yards out.
The Buccaneers should have added a third goal after 77 minutes
when Thabo Matlaba was left one-on-one Kapini, however the full-back
managed to hit the upright from close range.
Gordon Igesund's charges nearly leveled matters in the 88th minute through Collins Mbesuma, who could only strike the upright.
Nonetheless, Pirates managed to see out the closing stages to claim the win and secure their spot in the last four.
