Ofori heroics in penalty shootout ensures CAF Confederation Cup semi-final berth for Pirates

Orlando Pirates secured their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup following a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Simba at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

The Buccaneers, who suffered a 1-0 defeat in Tanzania in the quarter-final first-leg last week, held on for a 1-0 win in the second-leg with a goal on the 60th minute courtesy of Kwame Peprah.

The aggregate score remained 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, with the match having to be settled in a penalty shootout.

Pirates had started the match well, with both Thembinkosi Lorch and Terrence Dzvukamanja testing their opponents with reasonable early efforts.

Deon Hotto was also looking to make an early impact, but his fifth-minute shot was well saved.

Ntsikelelo Nyauza went wide with a header from close range as the Bucs continued to pepper the Simba goal.

The away side struggled to get out of their own half as the opening period wore on, but they did manage to stifle the home team.

Pape Sakho came as close as anyone in a Simba shirt to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, while Linda Mntambo and Lorch were wasteful at the start of the second period.

But Bucs' perseverance paid off shortly after a red card to Kope Mugalu for a foul on Olisa Ndah as Peprah deftly headed home an Innocent Maela cross.

Pirates had numerous chances to win the tie before the end of 90 minutes but had to settle for a penalty shootout.

Simba kicked first and was immediately on the back foot, with Jonas Mkude missing.

Deon Kavendji, Gabadinho Mahango, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Richard Ofori all netted their spot-kicks, with only Kabelo Dlamini wasteful.

Ofori, who gloved away Henock Inonga Baka's spot kick, slotted home final kick of the shootout a 4-3 victory and progression to the semi-finals.