Orlando Pirates advanced to the Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-finals after securing a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

Rhulani Mokwena’s men came into this encounter after playing out to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium before the Fifa international break.

Meanwhile, Owen da Gama’s side secured their first win in the top flight after claiming a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in Limpopo.

This was the first meeting between the two sides before they face off again in the Absa Premiership next weekend.

The Buccaneers dominated proceedings in the early exchanges of the game, while Stellies were forced to stand back and soak up the pressure.

Augustine Mulenga came close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes but saw his effort rattle the woodwork at the far post.

The hosts had a chance to double their lead through Tshegofatso Mabasa but the in-form striker put his effort over the target.

At the other end Stellies posed a threat on the counter-attack, but they were let down by their poor decision-making in the final third.

The game went into half time with the scoreline locked at 0-0.

Pirates had a great chance to take the lead in the 63rd minute, but Paseka Mako fired his effort straight into the hands of the Stellies keeper in a one-on-one situation.

The Buccaneers made their first substitution in the 65th minute when Justin Shonga came on for Mulenga, before bringing on Siphesihle Ndlovu for Thabiso Monyane eight minutes later.

Pirates eventually broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute through a long-range effort from Thembinkosi Lorch.

The visitors nearly levelled matters in stoppage time but Robyn Johannes failed to beat Wayne Sandilands with his effort.

However, Pirates held on to their lead over Stellies until the final whistle to advance to the next round of the knockout competition.