Orlando Pirates made a strong start to their defence of the Carling Knockout title with a clear 3-0 win over Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night. The Buccaneers took control early and booked their place in the quarter-finals without much trouble.

Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Tshepang Moremi sent him through with a good pass, and Mokobodi finished calmly past Milford goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza. Pirates kept pushing and created more chances before the break. Evidence Makgopa had a shot saved, and the home side looked comfortable in possession.

Moremi then took over. He scored the second goal around the 35th minute after getting in behind the defence. He rounded Hleza and finished from a tight angle. Just before half-time, Moremi struck again in stoppage time to complete his brace and make it 3-0. The second goal of his double came after Mpho Padime, who had come on for the injured Ghampani Lungu, played him through. All three goals arrived in the first half.

Milford tried to respond after the break. Coach Xanti Pupuma made four changes at half-time, bringing on Sicelo Masilela, Mnqobi Mbhele, Vusumuzi Mthabela and Thabana Mabena. The visitors saw more of the ball, but they could not create serious chances. Pirates managed the game well and did not need to push for more goals. Young substitute Mpho Padime got involved in attack, but Hleza was not seriously tested.

The result gives Pirates a solid start in the cup. The Soweto side came into the match in good form after reaching the CAF Champions League group stages. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made some changes to his team, bringing Deon Hotto and Ghampani Lungu back into the starting lineup. The win also sends a message ahead of this weekend’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.

Milford, who had beaten Golden Arrows recently, found it difficult against a strong Pirates side. They had hoped to avenge an earlier loss this season, but the defending champions proved too strong on the night. Pirates will now wait to see who they face in the quarter-finals as they look to go further in the competition.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2115159098001965261