Soweto – A late goal by Thembinkosi Lorch helped Orlando Pirates to a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC in a Telkom Knockout clash played at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Lorch struck six minutes from full-time as the Soweto giants finally broke down their stubborn opponents after dominating throughout. 

The Buccaneers took control of the encounter from the outset, with the visitors clearly coming into the contest with a game plan to frustrate the home team.

Stellenbosch were solid in defence with goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt in inspired form that kept Pirates at bay.

Augustine Mulenga had the first real effort on goal in the 17th minute but his powerful shot was well kept out by Langeveldt.

Bucs should have opened the scoring in the 25th minute but Mulenga missed a sitter as he headed against the cross-bar when it appeared easier to score.

The club from the Cape Winelands continued to frustrate the hosts as the teams went into the half-time break with the scores goalless.

Pirates’ in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa was a constant threat but he was to be continually denied by Langeveldt.

With the game seemingly headed for extra time, Lorch picked up a pass from Fortune Makaringe just outside the penalty area and fired a low shot that beat Langeveldt and broke the Stellenbosch resistance.

Lorch and Mabasa both should have put the game to bed late on but were denied.

Pirates, however, deservedly advanced to the Last 8 of the Telkom Knockout, the tournament in which they lost in the final to Baroka FC last season.

– TeamTalk Media

? FT || @orlandopirates 1 – 0 @StellenboschFC
?? 84′ Lorch
?????#TKO2019 #Matchday#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/RLw0GUFrU8

— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) October 19, 2019