Orlando Pirates Under-19 overcame a goal deficit to defeat Soweto United Stars Under-19 3-1 in their Derby matchup early on Saturday morning, securing their passage to the Engen Knockout Challenge’s knockout rounds.
The Buccaneers’ survival in the main competition depended on their performance in their last Group C game against the early pace-setters in their group after concluding the previous day’s activity with one win and a defeat in their two matches.
As early as the second minute, they had a chance, with Banele Matomela taking the first shot at goal, which just missed the goal. The young Bucs players swiftly responded with a shot of their own, which Tonny Mbunga also missed wide as they quickly asserted themselves over their fellow Sowetans.
Halfway through the first half, Stars began to take control of the match and forced Pirates goalkeeper Jayden van der Walt into a save after causing trouble with some rapid interchange down the left flank.
Pirates continued to have chances, as Mohau Nkota almost missed the goal with a set-piece effort before coming even closer in open play by forcing the keeper to make a stop.
As the Bucs defence was being stretched, the breakthrough occurred against the flow of play, and the Stars eventually took the lead with a simple tap-in.
Moments later, with their chances of making the playoffs hanging in the balance, Pirates struck back, with Mehluleli Maphumulo scoring his third goal of the competition after pushing through the middle of the field and finishing coolly.
The first half came to a tight conclusion as Stars pelted the Bucs goal with shots but were unable to get past Van der Walt’s defences.
The second half of the game was off to a fantastic start for the Buccaneers as Maphumulo completed his brace to bring his tournament total to four goals, giving his team the lead for the first time.
Three minutes later, Samukele Kabini added a goal from a set piece to make it 3-1, significantly extending their lead.
The Pirates maintained control of the match for the remainder of it, and Phenyo Choshane nearly scored his team’s fourth goal of the day before the keeper made a save.
At 3-1, the score was sufficient for the Buccaneers to win Group C by virtue of having a greater goal difference, setting up a matchup against the School of Excellence in the quarterfinals.