Orlando Pirates have completed the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal line-up by defeating University of Pretoria 2-1 after extra time at Orlando Stadium on Friday night.

The Buccaneers’ goals were scored by Thabo Rakhale and Ayanda Gcaba, while Thabo Mnyamane netted for AmaTuks. Eric Tinkler’s side will now meet Maritzburg United in the quarterfinals, set to be played next weekend.

Pirates dominated the first half but had to wait until the 39th minute to break the deadlock, with a throw-in from the left-flank worked toward the centre from where winger Thabo Rakhale guided a long-range shot into the top corner.

This proved to be the only highlight of the first half, with Bucs’ attack otherwise frustrated by their inability to provide an incisive final pass, while the visitors offered almost nothing going forward.

Tuks were much improved after the break and threatened an equaliser in the 53rd minute, with Bongani Nyathi’s low shot deflecting off the heel of Rooi Mahamutsa and forcing Felipe Ovono into a fine save low to his right.

Two minutes later Tuks took advantage of some poor defending from the hosts to level the game, with Thabo Mosadi’s cross from the right flank headed into the back of the net by an unmarked Thabo Mnyamane.

Pirates thought they had reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute when Lehlogonolo Maselesa headed the ball into the net from close range, but the goal was ruled out due to a marginal offside call.

The match went to extra time and Bucs had a great chance to move ahead just before the half-way point of the 30 minutes when they were gifted a soft penalty for Khethukuthula Zwane’s hand-ball. However, Kermit Erasmus’ spot kick was well saved by Washington Arubi.

With the match looking destined for a penalty shootout, Ayanda Gcaba was the unlikely hero for the home team, firing home a volley from the ‘D’ of the box in the 118th minute to seal a 2-1 win for the Soweto giants.

Orlando Pirates (1) (1) 2 (Rakhale 39’, Gcaba 118’)

University of Pretoria (0) (1) 1 (Mnyamane 55’)

After extra time

Teams:

Orlando Pirates: Ovono, Jele, Mahamutsa, Gcaba, Matlaba, Rakhale, Masalesa, Ntshumayelo (Majafa 64’), Makola (Myeni 67’), Erasmus, Gabuza (Majoro 78’)

University of Pretoria: Arubi, Ngubane, Jaure, Mwedihanga (Monyai 102’), Zwane, Mosadi, Lichaba (Kebede 99’), Nyathi (Ntombayithethi 89’), Ketjijere, Mnyamane, Nyondo