Orlando Pirates clinched a 2-1 victory over Highlands Park in the Telkom Knockout Cup to secure their spot in the semi-finals on Saturday evening.

The quarter-finals of the knockout tournament got off to a lively start as both sides showed intent of taking control early on.

The first real opportunity, though, came in the 15th minute when Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo saved finely to deny Thanduyise Khuboni’s long-range strike.

The Buccaneers started to gain momentum and nearly took the lead in the 26th minute, but Luvuyo Memela headed his effort wide of the target from six yards out.

The Buccaneers broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Augustine Mbara headed into his own net from a Memela free kick, to make it 1-0 to Pirates.

In the second half, Pirates doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Thabo Rakhale played in Mpho Makola, who set up Tendai Ndoro to slot the ball into the back of the net from six yards out.

However, Highlands did manage to pull a goal back a few minutes later when an unmarked Mothobi Mvala headed past Mhlongo from six yards out to reduce the deficit to one.

The Buccaneers should have added a third goal in the 77th minute, but full back Thabo Matlaba only managed to hit the upright from close range.

Gordon Igesund’s side nearly found an equalising goal in the 88th minute through Collins Mbesuma, but his effort also found the upright.

However, the Buccaneers held to their 2-1 lead over the Lions of the North to book their place in the Telkom Knockout Cup semi-finals.

Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix