By Siyasanga Monoalibe
Orlando Pirates are through to the MTN8 semi-final after edging 10-man Durban City 2-1 during their quarter-final encounter at the Orlando Arena yesterday afternoon.
Pirates will know who their next opponent will be after the Kaizer Chiefs and Golden
Arrows game at the FNB Stadium this evening.
The Bucs supporters got an opportunity to see their latest signing, Sebastian Pedersen, at the Arena, as they welcomed the Norwegian with the famous “Viking Row” moments before kick-off, to set the tone of what was expected to be a heated cup game. But the game did not live up to expectations, especially in the first half. There were not many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities created, despite Pirates enjoying most of the ball.
The home side, though, were rewarded with a penalty and found themselves with a numerical advantage after Brooklyn Poggenpoel was sent off for a foul on Yanela Mbuthuma.
Patrick Maswanganyi stepped up and sent the City goalkeeper, Fredrick Asare, the wrong way to go into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The visitors came back in the second half and got an equaliser through bullish striker Jean Lwamba to take the game to extra time. But they lost it when substitute Gamphani Lungu scored a goal in the last minute.
Despite Pirates winning the game in the end, they were not as fluid and commanding as many would have expected.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou told the media last week that the fans must be patient with his team, especially with new players being integrated and getting a run in the first two games of the season. Be that as it may, his side is struggling to connect upfront and lacks that killer
instinct in front of goals.
Maybe, with the arrival of Pedersen at yesterday’s game, the Pirates’ offensive players will pull up their socks. The Norwegian comes with excitement and expectation for him to add more quality to Bucs.
- Orlando Pirates won 2-1 against 10-man Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Arena to advance to the semi-finals.
- Brooklyn Poggenpoel of Durban City was sent off after a foul on Yanela Mbuthuma, giving Pirates a numerical advantage.
- Patrick Maswanganyi scored a penalty for Pirates, while Jean Lwamba equalised for Durban City before Gamphani Lungu scored the winning goal for Pirates in the last minute of extra time.
- Sebastian Pedersen, a new signing for Pirates, made his debut and was welcomed by fans with the “Viking Row” before the match.
- Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou acknowledged the team's struggles with fluidity and finishing but urged patience as new players are integrated.
