Mbokazi’s stunning late strike propels Pirates into Carling Knockout second round

Mbekezeli Mbokazi emerged as the unlikely hero for Orlando Pirates, unleashing a spectacular long-range rocket in the 87th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Siwelele in the Carling Knockout first round at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday. The towering defender’s top-corner finish not only silenced the visitors but extended the Buccaneers’ unbeaten streak across all competitions to 11 games, further cementing the starlet’s rising status in the squad. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou opted for just one alteration to the side that triumphed 2-0 over TS Galaxy midweek, reinstating Oswin Appolis in place of Kamogelo Sebelebele. In contrast, Siwelele rang in six changes from their recent win that snapped a seven-game drought, notably swapping Ricardo Goss for Samkelo Xuli in goal, aiming to fortify their backline against the Sea Robbers’ attack.

The match exploded into life early when Pirates were handed a golden opportunity in the third minute, as Evidence Makgopa was felled in the box by Keabetswe Khonyane, earning a penalty. The striker, fresh off converting from the spot in his previous outing, saw his effort cannon off the right upright, denying an instant opener. The Buccaneers pressed on, earning a set-piece in the 11th minute after another foul on Makgopa just outside the area, but Tshepang Moremi’s strike sailed harmlessly wide. Siwelele responded with menace, nearly scoring from a 16th-minute corner where Gape Moralo’s delivery found Samir Nurkovic at the back post, only for the Serbian’s header to clip the bar. A swift counter in the 26th minute saw Appolis feed Relebohile Mofokeng on the right flank, but the youngster’s inviting cross evaded all incoming teammates. As the half wore on, Mofokeng’s 35th-minute delivery looped over Xuli toward Appolis, though Makgopa’s interference squandered the move, while Grant Margeman’s 40th-minute curler from distance forced a scrambling save from Sipho Chaine, grazing the left post.

The second half mirrored the first’s intensity, with Pirates spilling a chance in the 52nd minute when Moremi’s cross slipped through Xuli’s grasp, only for the keeper to recover heroically. Siwelele threatened on the break in the 73rd minute, as substitute Chibuike Ohizu raced clear one-on-one with Mbokazi, but the defender’s composure held firm. The Buccaneers ramped up the tempo in the final stretch, Appolis teeing up Sebelebele in the 76th minute for a shot routinely parried away, followed by Tshegofatso Mabasa’s 78th-minute close-range mishit that Xuli easily collected. Stoppage time in the first half had seen Christian Saile outpace Mbokazi on a counter before Chaine comfortably palmed away his effort, and Deon Hotto’s low free-kick was divingly denied by Xuli. It was left to Mbokazi to etch his name into lore with that thunderous 87th-minute strike from outside the box, curling into the top right for a decisive, match-winning moment that sparked wild celebrations and propelled Pirates into the last 16.

FAQs on Pirates victory in Carling Cup knockout

What was the final score between Orlando Pirates and Siwelele in the Carling Knockout?

Orlando Pirates won 1-0, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute.

Who was the hero for Orlando Pirates in the match?

Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi netted a stunning long-range strike to secure the victory and extend Pirates’ unbeaten run to 11 games.

How did Orlando Pirates start the game against Siwelele?

They were awarded a penalty in the third minute after Evidence Makgopa was fouled, but the striker hit the upright.

What changes did the coaches make to their lineups?

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made one switch, bringing in Oswin Appolis for Kamogelo Sebelebele; Siwelele made six alterations, including Samkelo Xuli in goal for Ricardo Goss.

What key chances did Pirates miss before Mbokazi’s winner?

Tshepang Moremi missed a set-piece in the 11th minute, a first-half cross from Relebohile Mofokeng went begging, and substitutes Kamogelo Sebelebele and Tshegofatso Mabasa had shots saved in the final stages.