By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Tshepang Moremi of Orlando Pirates celebrate a goal during the Carling Knockout Cup, Last 16 match against Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday. Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images.
The defending champions Orlando Pirates advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup after a convincing 3-0 win over Milford FC in the round of 16 clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday evening.
Pirates dominated the opening stages, building pressure through sustained periods of possession as their opponents were pinned back into their half.
The home side’s pressure eventually paid off in the 16th minute as Thapelo Mokobodi scored. In a clinical transition, Mokobodi received the ball swiftly via two passes from the defence line before finishing calmly.
Tshepang Moremi doubled Pirates’ lead in the 35th minute following another rapid transition move going forward. After evading the offside trap, Moremi rounded the goalkeeper before finishing from an acute angle.
The home side capitalized on Milford’s high line once more before the break, with Moremi completing his brace and also, scoring his seventh goal of the campaign.
The result offered Pirates an ideal dress rehearsal for the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with the Buccaneers carrying momentum into one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar.
Meanwhile Mamelodi Sundowns bounced back from their disappointing CAF Champions League outing over the weekend, booking their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 against Marumo Gallants.
Elsewhere Wandile Duba scored a hat-trick of goals to inspire Chiefs to a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in their Carling Knockout round of 16 clash played at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Chiefs joined Pirates, Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu FC, Siwelele FC and Golden Arrows in the quarterfinal draw, which will be held on Wednesday evening after the final round of 16 match between Durban City and Stellenbosch FC.