Orlando Pirates 1-0 Sekhukhune United Player Ratings - Defenders Excel as Bucs Reach Semi Finals

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals.
Ghampani Lungu was our Man of the Match, excelling defensively and in attack.
Sipho Chaine kept a clean sheet with a crucial late save.

Pirates beat Sekhukhune 1-0 on Saturday as right back Ghampani Lungu excelled (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Below are the player ratings for the Pirates starting XI and subs.

STARTING XI:

Sipho Chaine: 7

The goalkeeper had a very quiet game until a late save was needed to preserve the lead. Yet another clean sheet was secured by Chaine.

Ghampani Lungu: 8 - Man of the Match

The Zambian was very strong defensively in his new right back role. Going forward, he was a threat and probably should have scored from a headed chance in the first half. With three successful dribbles and 13 ground duels won, he was the top performer on the day.

Lebone Seema: 7

It was a steady, quiet game for Seema. He dealt well with Sekhukhune's front two.

Sbangani Zulu: 8

The young defender had a fine game. He defended the channels well, used the ball effectively and was strong in his duels.

Deon Hotto: 8

The left back set up a chance in the first half and defended strongly.

Thapelo Mokobodi: 7

It was another strong, stable display from Mokobodi. He played deeper and protected his fullbacks effectively.

Simphiwe Selepe: 6

There were good moments and unsettled moments for the defensive midfielder. At times, his passing lacked a bit of penetration.

Mpho Padime: 7

The teenager scored on his full debut. Padime at times looked to lack the pace to beat his man, but he combined well with teammates.

Simphiwe Masilela: 6

The number ten was in and out of the game. He linked play well towards the end of the first half and had a couple of powerful shots which flashed over the bar.

Tshepang Moremi: 6

The winger set up the winner when he switched to the right flank. However, it wasn't really his day, and he bizarrely missed the ball when he had a chance at a tap-in during the second half.

Yanela Mbuthuma: 6

The striker was tightly marked and had just 11 touches in the first 30 minutes.

SUBSTITUTES

Sifiso Luthuli: 6

The lanky forward made his Pirates debut. He put himself about and had a shot on target with his second touch.

Oswin Appollis: 7

The Bafana Bafana star brought classy touches and movement to the team. It is baffling not to see him starting matches.

Neo Rapoo: 6

Just nine minutes for the left back, but he did his job.

Matome Mmolai: 6

The midfielder only got a few minutes to help see out the game.

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.