Nine man Jomo Cosmos marched to the semi-final of the SAA Supa 8 Cup when they beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 at the Rand Stadium on Saturday.
Cosmos led 2-0 at half-time.
Both Cosmos’ dismissals occurred in the second half when Referee Ace Ngcoba gave Tebogo Mokoena and Sammy Magalisa their marching orders in the 55th and 87th minutes respectively.
Cosmos started the game the more attacking side and came close in the sixth minute but Magalisa’s shot went wide.Three minutes later Pirates goalkeeper John Tlale parried away a Lucky Mhlathi long drive to give Cosmos their first corner kick of the game.
From the resultant kick Russel Mwafulirwa rose above the Pirates defence to head home.
Pirates came close to equalising in the 28th minute when midfielder Patrick Thwala sent a through pass to Joseph Makhanya but his strike was well saved by Cosmos keeper Avril Thali.
Cosmos continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their lead in the 31st minute after Mokoena sent a perfectly weighted pass to Mhlathi who dribbled passed a few defenders to beat Tlale.
Pirates made a double substitution in the 52nd minute when they introduced Steve Lekoelea and Thumudzo Manenzhe for Bheka Phakathi and Jimmy Kauleza.
The change brought Pirates back into the game with Lekoelea combining excellently with Thwala.
Pirates pulled one back in the 89th minute when the referee awarded a penalty after Andrew Rabutla fouled Lesley Manyathela in the penalty area which Manyathela duly converted. – Sapa