Richard Ofori was the hero as Orlando Pirates sailed through to the semi-final of the Caf Confederation Cup after beating visiting Simba SC 4-3 on aggregate at the Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers won 1-0, levelling the aggregate score after losing on a similar scoreline in the first leg away in Tanzania last weekend. It then took a nervy penalty shootout against dogged Simba, who were reduced to ten men by a sending off but still clung to a 1-1 aggregate draw. The Dar es Salaam side found themselves a man down after striker Kope Mugalu was given a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Olisa Ndah.
The Ghanaian goalkeeper Ofori saved the first penalty before converting the final one that sealed Pirates’ place in the last four. After toiling to get the much-needed goal, wasting many chances in both halves. They got their breakthrough in the 60thminute when Innocent Maela swung in a beautiful cross that was met by a Kwame Peprah header.
Thereafter, the Buccaneers failed to make their one-man advantage count as they dominated the game but failed to score. The game had to be settled by the dreaded penalty shootout. Deon Hotto, Gabadinho Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabaso and Ofori scored their penalties while Kabelo Dlamini missed his. The Bucs are through to the semi-final and will face the winner between Al Ahly Tripoli and Al Ittihad, who face off late on Sunday night.
