Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates moved one step closer to the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup with a 2-0 Group B victory over Tunisian side CS Sfaxien at Orlando Stadium, on Saturday.
With the win Pirates move to nine points from their four group games, and are tied with Zamalek on the same number of points with the Egyptian side playing AC Leopards on Sunday. If Zamalek win that match, both Pirates and Zamalek will qualify for the last four.
Pirates dominated the game, but did not fashion too many chances despite their technical superiority. Instead it was two masterful pieces of football which yielded the two strikes for the Soweto Giants.
In the eighth minute Thabo Rakhale found space behind the Sfaxien defence and with just the keeper to beat, rifled his attempt over the crossbar.
Sfaxien had their first chance in the 12th minute with a low cross into the box, but the shot was miscued wide of the target.
Sifiso Myeni, without much on near the edge of the box, attempted a shot from range and his stinging effort was tipped away for a corner in the 24th minute.
Just short of the half-hour mark Sfaxien had a setpiece in a dangerous position. A probing ball was sent into the area and Pirates defender Issa Sarr met the danger, and headed away for a corner.
Rakhale scored the opening goal in the 37th minute after a well-worked move from the hosts. Kermit Erasmus mesmerised the Sfaxien defence before side-footing the ball to Oupa Manyisa in the box, who in turn fed Rakhale as he produced a scorching strike into the top corner and a 1-0 lead for his side.
Erasmus tried his luck from range in the 43rd minute, and his attempt required a good save from Sfaxien keeper Rami Jridi as the ball was turned away for a corner.
Pirates doubled their lead with a brilliant counter-attack in the 54th minute. Brighton Mhlongo in the Buccaneers goal had just pulled off a good save at the other end, and the ball was quickly moved upfield. The final pass fell to Menzi Masuku and he was able to beat Jridi on the near post, as the hosts were vaulted into a 2-0 lead.
ANA