Orlando Pirates star Mpho Padime found the decisive goal in the first half.
Below is how all the action unfolded…
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90′ ⚽️ Full time! Orlando Pirates advance to the semifinals of the Carling Knockout with a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United.
80′ ⚽️ Masilela’s effort flies over the bar. It’s still Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United.
68′ ⚽️ Hotto’s low shot meets an equally powerful save.
57′ ⚽️ Big chance but Padime is flagged offside before taking a shot. It’s Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United.
46′ ⚽️ We’re back for the second half!
45′ ⚽️ Half time! The referee sends the sides to the break. It’s Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United.
38′ ⚽️ Wild effort! Mokoena takes a shot outside of Pirates’ box but it flies very high over the bar!
32′ ⚽️ Goal! Padime slots from two yards after a scramble in the box. Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United.
11′ ⚽️ Danger cleared! Zulu denies Ohizu an attempt at goal near the edge of the box.
6′ ⚽️ So close! Lungu takes a powerful low shot from the right but it goes inches wide. Orlando Pirates 0-0 Sekhukhune United.
1′ ⚽️ Kick off! We’re underway in Soweto!
Orlando Pirates starting line-up: Chaine, Lungu, Hotto, Seema, Zulu, Selepe, Masilela, Mokobodi, Mbuthuma, Padime, Moremi.
Substitutes: Dladla, Kgositsile, Derbyshire, Luthuli, Mthiyane, Mmolai, Rapoo, Appollis, Sigomoshe.
Sekhukhune starting line-up: Sapunga, Matsimbi, O’Neill, Mcaba, Rammala, Mkhize, Khupe, Mokoena, Muzeu, Ndlovu, Ohizu.
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Mobbie, Kazeem, Cardoso, Sangweni, Mojela, Makubo, Phiri, Nkwana.
The Carling Knockout defending champions head into the encounter in impressive form, having won their last five matches across all competitions.
The Buccaneers have combined defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, with their recent 2-1 Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs further boosting confidence in the camp.
Orlando Pirates also have a significant psychological advantage over Babina Noko, having beaten them three times already this season across the Betway Premiership and MTN8 semi-finals.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side have scored six goals against Sekhukhune in those encounters without conceding, underlining their dominance in this fixture.
However, Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane is determined not to let previous results influence his team’s approach to the quarter-final.
Babina Noko are expected to make tactical adjustments to disrupt Pirates’ high-pressing attacking approach while maintaining defensive discipline and a compact structure.
The visitors will also be looking to end the Buccaneers’ impressive home run and secure a place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.