Orlando Pirates left it until the dying moments but secured their spot in the next round of the Carling Knockout with a 1-0 win against Siwelele on Saturday.
The dramatic Round of 16 fixture at Orlando Stadium produced an identical scoreline to the previous clash between the two sides, with the Soweto Giants eventually scaling a tricky first hurdle in their bid for another piece of silverware to their collection.
A little over a week after contesting a tight league fixture in Bloemfontein, Pirates and Siwelele delivered a thrilling start to proceedings in Soweto. The game’s first big moment came just after the third minute when Bucs striker Evidence Makgopa was brought down by Keabetswe Khonyane inside the visitors’ penalty area.
Just as he did against TS Galaxy in midweek, he stepped up to the spot but was a few inches off target this time around, only succeeding in striking the upright with goalkeeper Samukelo Xoki well beaten.
Makgopa was again fouled by the same player moments later, resulting in a Pirates free kick just in front of the visitors’ goal. It was another spurned opportunity, with Tshepang Moremi’s shot flying well off target.
Siwelele continued to absorb the pressure from the home side and nearly edged ahead in the 16th minute when Samir Nurkovic misplaced his headed attempt from close range. That was the first of two first-half chances for the Serb, who was comfortably denied by Sipho Chaine with his next effort.
With the Buccaneers failing to make much of their dominance in possession, they were nearly made to regret their wasted chances as Grant Margeman effected a turnover in the middle of the park before going centimetres wide with a right-footed shot from range.
A free kick late in the opening period afforded the hosts a last-gasp opportunity at going into the break in the lead. It was not to be, as Deon Hotto’s effort was kept out by the diving Samukelo Xulu.
A change in the Buccaneers midfield was made on the break with Abdoulaye Mariko replacing Sihle Nduli. The Malian was immediately in the thick of the action as he forced Xulu into a save with a shot from outside the penalty area. They continued to make regular forays upfield, but the opposition defence remained equal to the task.
Having frustrated the home side for well over an hour, Siwelele had some bright moments of their own as the clock wound down. Replacement striker Chibuike Ohizu managed to get the better of captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi out on the flank but could not find a way past Chaine who had his near post well covered.
The Bucs shot-stopper remained alert between the posts as he later denied Gamphani Lungu, who had done well to turn possession over on the flank before attempting to sneak one into the back of the net.
Extra time loomed on the horizon, but the hosts were able to have the final say. It was the skipper who came up with the moment of magic, strolling in from the halfway line before producing a left-footed rocket that left Xulu stunned on its way to the back of the net.
With the breakthrough arriving with just three minutes left on the clock, it sparked a desperate surge from the men in green. They however failed to find the equaliser, with Pirates sealing a crucial cup win ahead of the upcoming FIFA break.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli (Mariko 46’), Nemtajela, Appollis (Mbule 78’),Mofokeng (Sebelebele 61’), Moremi, Makgopa (Mabasa 61’)
