Johannesburg – New Orlando Pirates caretaker-coach Augusto Palacios steered his team to a 2-1 win over Highlands Park in a Telkom Knockout quarter-final clash at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday night. Pirates led 1-0 at half-time.
Palacios took over the coaching reins after Mushin Ertugral tendered his resignation earlier this week. Pirates’ victory sees them join Cape Town City and SuperSport United in the semi-finals of the competition.
On Saturday night, the first real opportunity came the way of Highlands when Thanduyise Kuboni drew a good save from Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo.
Despite this Pirates quickly gained the upper hand, with good work from Tendai Ndoro ensuring that Highlands keeper Tapuwa Kapini denied Luvoyo Memela a chance on goal. Soon after, it was the same duo that threatened again. Ndoro provided the pass, but, this time, Memela scorched his effort over the bar.
The roles were then reversed a few minutes later as Memela played in Ndoro, but the Zimbabwean forward volleyed over the bar. The strike pair continued to terrorise the Highlands defence, with Ndoro steering in a cross which Memela headed wide.
Highlands had to be content with attacking on the break and, on one such occasion, Franklin Cale drilled in a trademark pile-driver, but Mhlongo pulled off the save at full stretch.
But, with Pirates keeping up the pressure, something had to give, and it did in the 39th minute when the Soweto side took a 1-0 lead. Memela fired a free-kick and the unfortunate Highlands defender Augustine Mbara headed the ball into his own net.
In their desire to draw level, Highlands came out with purpose in the second half, but the Pirates defence held firm. And, on the hour mark, the Buccaneers made it 2-0 when quick interplay from Thabo Rakhale and Mpho Makola created the opening for Ndoro to score.
Highlands, though, never gave up and continued to push forward in attack and they were rewarded when Mothobi Mvala headed in to make the score 2-1 and offer the visitors a faint glimmer of hope.
In the 75th minute, Pirates made a substitution, with Memela coming off to be replaced by Riyaad Norodien. This was followed by two excellent opportunities, one for each team – Thabo Matlaba hit the upright for Pirates, while Charlton Mashumba shot wide for Highlands.
Highlands had a great chance to equalise two minutes before full-time when Cale’s cross reached Collins Mbesuma in the box, but, unfortunately, the Zambian striker’s effort hit the woodwork.
– ANA