Wits University, again, proved to be Orlando Pirates’ hoodoo team when they knocked the Buccaneers out of the lucrative Supa 8 Cup, winning a tense quarterfinal clash 2-1 at the Oppenheimer Stadium in Klerksdorp on Sunday.
The half-time score was 1-1.
The teams produced a fast-paced and evenly fought first half in which neither side managed to get the upper hand.
But both teams impressed by their willingness to go on the attack and as a result the fans were treated to a good opening 45 minutes.
However, neither side manage to master the bumpy pitch, which better suited Wits than the more skilful Buccaneers.
Wits drew first blood in the 16th minute when Pirates’ new goalkeeper, Francis Chansa, did well to palm away Benson Mhlongo’s powerful shot at the expense of a corner.
But Chansa could do little to stop the Students’ defender Thierry Mouyouma’s piledriver at the near post to put Wits 1-0 ahead from the resultant corner.
However, Pirates showed their character by taking the initiative and were rewarded in the 19th minute when striker Jimmy Kauleza latched on to a long ball and did well to chip his shot over advancing Wits goalkeeper Wayne Roberts to notch the equaliser.
Kauleza shot over the Wits crossbar with a long-range effort in the 65th minute.
But poor marking from the Buccaneers defence allowed Mhlongo a free header and the acting Wits skipper and Bafana Bafana midfielder gratefully headed home the winner in the 78th minute.
Pirates looked shaken and Wits striker Etienne Bito’o missed a glorious chance to make it 3-1 in the 82nd minute when he was set up by substitute Gareth Devine. But Bito’o made a mess of his shot, which sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.
Wits join Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows and Supersport United in the draw for the semifinals of the competition. — Sapa