Orlando Pirates clinched a dramatic 1-0 win over Siwelele FC to book their spot in the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup quarterfinals, thanks to a late stunner from captain Mbekezile Mbokazi.
With both sides locked in a tense battle and struggling to break the deadlock, extra time seemed inevitable.
But in the 87th minute, Mbokazi unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that flew past goalkeeper Samkelo Xulu, igniting wild celebrations among the Soweto faithful and sealing a memorable victory for the Buccaneers.
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Pirates had made a lively start and could have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when striker Evidence Makgopa was brought down inside the box by Keabetswe Khonyane. However, the Bafana Bafana international saw his spot-kick cannon off the upright, letting the visitors off the hook.
Siwelele, coached by Lehlohonolo Seema, were far from overawed. Samir Nurkovic tested the Pirates defence with a header, while Christian Saile nearly broke the deadlock midway through the first half, only for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to comfortably gather.
Bucs pushed forward with Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi creating opportunities, but both squandered clear chances. Before the break, substitute Abdoulaye Mariko forced a fine save from Xuli with a stinging effort from range.
The second half followed a similar script, with Pirates probing but unable to find the finishing touch. Kamogelo Sebelebele came closest in the 76th minute, only for his shot to be blocked by Siwelele’s resolute defence.
Just as extra-time loomed, Mbokazi took matters into his own hands. Collecting the ball in midfield, the skipper unleashed a powerful strike from distance in the 87th minute, sealing Pirates’ progression and underlining their growing reputation as South Africa’s modern-day cup specialists.
For Siwelele, the defeat was a bitter pill after such a committed display, but they leave the tournament with pride intact. Pirates, meanwhile, march on, confident their cup pedigree can carry them deeper into the competition.