A Thabo Qalinge-inspired performance helped Orlando Pirates claim a 1-0 victory against Golden Arrows in a Telkom Knockout last-16 encounter at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday afternoon, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Pirates went into the match on the back of a 0-0 draw against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, while Arrows played to a 1-1 draw with Baroka in a top-of-the-table encounter.

The home side looked the livelier of the two teams in the opening exchanges as they threatened with the pace and trickery of Kudakwashe Mahachi. However, Pirates had the first effort on target as goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede pulled a fine save from pointblank  range to deny Justin Shongha the opener.

Pirates continued to threaten and looked particularly dangerous through Thabo Qalinge. He almost opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but his well-taken header crashed against the post.

Arrows were handed the best chance of the game in the 30th minute when Mahachi combined with the left-back, who turned provider with an enticing ball into the area for Knox Mutizwa, but the forward missed his effort from inside the six-yard area.

Pirates broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after a smart through ball by Shonga, which found Qalinge with space in behind the defence, and the winger did well to lob the ball over the goalkeeper, despite the presence of an onrushing defender.

The Soweto giants went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.

Qalinge continued to torment the Arrows defence in the second half with his mesmerising runs and skill.

Arrows failed to mount much resistance to Pirates’ dominance and came closest to levelling matters when Mutizwa’s header sailed over the bar in the 70th minute.

Pirates saw off the remaining minutes of the game to claim a 1-0 victory and secure their spot in the next round of the Telkom Knockout.

Arrows XI: 32 Gumede, 21 Mngwengwe, 5 Mzava, 14 Dube, 2 Nkombelo, 6 Shongwe, 28 Bilankulu, 41 Lamola, 27 Magubane, 11 Mahachi.

Pirates XI: 16 Mabokgwane, 19 Chabalala, 34 Nyauza, 23 Maela, 8 Matlaba, 18 Sarr, 5 Makola, 15 Qalinge, 3 Lorch, 24 Kutumela, 27 Shonga.

In the other Telkom Knockout fixture:

Polokwane City booked their spot in the quarter-finals after defeating Ajax Cape Town 4-3 on penalties.

Photo: Aubrey Kgakastsi/Backpagepix