Pirates Punish Arrows To Progress

26 November 2011

Telkom Knockout

Date: 26 November 2011

Result: Golden Arrows 1-3 Orlando Pirates

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium

Referee: Lwandile Mfiki

Orlando Pirates progressed to the final of the Telkom Knockout after Golden Arrows pressed the self-destruct button to give the Buccaneers a 3-1 win at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Robyn Johannes had given Arrows a shock lead in the 32nd minute after a decent start by the hosts but Siyabonga Sangweni equalised to make it 1-1 at the break. A goal from Thulasizwe Mbuyane and a penalty from Oupa Manyisa sent Pirates through.

Arrows had a shout for a penalty just six minutes into the match when Sangweni barged into the back of Gabuza but the referee waved play on.

Benni McCarthy then came within inches of putting Pirates ahead when he powered a looping header over the goalkeeper but it came back off the crossbar.

The hosts slowly grew in confidence and Johannes went on to open the scoring with a fantastic goal. The defender drove down the wing before playing a neat one-two with Dillon Sheppard and lashed a low shot past Moeneeb Josephs.

Isaac Chansa almost gave the visitors an immediate response at the other end when he found space at the edge of the area but his shot flashed past the post.

Sangweni ensured that their pressure paid off before the break though with his second goal in two games as he stuck his leg out to deflect a scuffed shot into the bottom corner.

McCarthy had a late chance to put the Sea Robbers ahead but he lifted his shot high and wide from a tight angle as the game remained locked at 1-1 at the break.

Chansa came close to putting Pirates ahead in the 66th minute but his fierce drive from the edge of the area sailed just wide of the target.

A comical error from Arrows would then gift Pirates the advantage five minutes later. Mzuvukile Tom and Helton Da Rocha stood next to each other while staring at the ball and Daine Klate gratefully stepped in to poke it into the path of Mbuyane who placed it in the empty net.

Things would get even worse for the hosts soon after when Sheppard clipped Lucky Lekgwathi just inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot. The defender was sent off for his second bookable offence and Oupa Manyisa curled his finish into the top corner from the spot.

Pirates easily saw out the final few minutes and will now face the winner between Wits and Santos in the final.

Adidas adizero f50 moment:

Daine Klate played an instrumental part in putting Orlando Pirates in the lead when he constantly kept up the pressure. The midfielder charged down the ball after Arrows failed to clear their lines and his persistence saw him knock the ball on for Thulasizwe Mbuyane to give Pirates the lead. It proved to be the turning point in the match as Arrows were under pressure and Pirates pressed on for the win.

Arrows: Helton Da Rocha, Musa Bilankulu, Mzuvukile Tom, Robyn Johannes, Siyanda Zwane, Dillon Sheppard, Elrio van Heerden, Jabulani Nene, Philani Shange (Katlego Mashego 55'), Thanduyise Khuboni, Thamsanqa Gabuza (Collins Mbesuma 66').

Pirates: Moeneeb Josephs, Lucky Lekgwathi, Rooi Mahamutsa, Ruben Cloete, Siyabonga Sangweni, Andile Jali, Daine Klate (Tokelo Rantie 79'), Isaac Chansa, Oupa Manyisa (Clifford Ngobeni 94'), Tlou Segolela (Thulasizwe Mbuyane 64'), Benni McCarthy.

Red Cards: Dillon Sheppard

Goals: Robyn Johannes (Golden Arrows, 31'), Siyabonga Sangweni (Pirates 39'), Thulasizwe Mbuyane (Pirates, 71'), Oupa Manyisa (Pirates, pen 82')