Orlando Pirates advanced to the semifinals of the Carling Knockout cup, thanks to two well-taken goals by Tshepang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa, which saw the Sea Robbers edge out Magesi FC 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal played in front of a capacity crowd at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening.
After a dull and goalless first half, the Buccaneers came back with renewed energy after the restart, forcing the visitors onto the back foot. Their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute when Moremi calmly slotted home the opening goal that gave the home side a lot of confidence.
Super-sub Makgopa made it 2-0 for the Buccaneers with a cleverly executed strike with three minutes remaining. The visitors pulled one back deep in referee’s injury time via a header from Lehlogonolo Mokone but it was too little too late.
Pirates had earlier beaten Siwelele FC 1-0 in the last 16, courtesy of a strike by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, to reach Tuesday night’s quarterfinal clash against Dikwena tsa Meetse.
The victory over the struggling Limpopo side was not just sweet revenge for the Soweto giants, who were knocked out of the competition by Magesi last season in a 3-2 upset, but also a morale booster as they look to add silverware to their cabinet. This comes after their CAF Champions League ambitions ended in heartbreak when they were eliminated by St. Eloi Lupopo of the Democratic Republic of Congo in a dramatic 3-all draw, followed by a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat.
With their current league form unquestionable, Pirates’ progress into the semifinals adds momentum to their pursuit of multiple trophies before the close of the 2025/26 season.
As for Magesi, who were the defending champions, the defeat may prove a blessing in disguise, allowing them to turn their full attention on improving their league form.
Pirates now join Golden Arrows, who beat TS Galaxy 2-1, and Richards Bay, who defeated Durban City 3-1, in the semifinals of the competition. In the last quarterfinal match on Wednesday, Marumo Gallants will clash with Stellenbosch FC in Bloemfontein.
