Orlando Pirates have clinched the Carling Knockout title following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants here on Saturday. Relehobile Mofokeng scored the only goal in extra time to give the Buccaneers a title to add to their MTN8 trophy they won earlier this season. They are also on course to win a treble as they are currently leading in the Betway Premiership.
Buc-to-Buc Trophy Lifts üèÜüèÜOrlando Pirates get their hands on more silverware this season ü§ù#CarlingKnockout|#SSDiskipic.twitter.com/50m7MULSqM It was not an easy game, as Gallants made it difficult for Bucs, who had to wait for extra time to snatch a victory. As expected, Pirates dominated earlier on, with Gallants happy to sit back and allow them to have possession. They had chances to open the break to open the scoring but failed to convert them.
Evidence Makgopa had the best chance to give the Buccaneers a lead earlier on, after an error from goalkeeper Washing Arubi, however, his shot was cleared off the line. This was after a high press by Relebohile Mofokeng, who forced an error from Arubi but could not make that count. It was clear from the onset that Gallants were playing for a draw and hoping to go to penalties, as they hardly troubled Pirates’ defence.
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They beat Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows on penalties in this competition, and they knew that holding Pirates to a draw, they would have a chance in the shootout. Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made a tactical change in the second half, bringing in Tshepang Moremi for Makhehlene Makhaula, while Nkosikhona Ndaba made way for Deon Hotto. Gallants continued to sit back, denying spaces Pirates wanted, and left frustrated, and they could not create any clear cut in the second half.
This forced the Buccaneers to shoot from outside the area, but failed to have shots on target. It was a frustrating evening for the Buccaneers as they were left frustrated by Gallants in the entire match and failed to create enough clear-cut chances.
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