Orlando Pirates sink Golden Arrows to go second ahead of crucial cup semi-final

Golden Arrows defender Ayanda Jiyane knocked the ball into his own net against Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates climbed to second on the Betway Premiership log after beating Golden Arrows 3-1 at a sold-out King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi on Wednesday night. Pirates needed the win at all costs, as they'll now take a huge morale boost into the Carling Knockout semi-final against Richards Bay, who will host them at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With this result, Pirates also extended their unbeaten league run to eight games -- seven wins and one draw -- a feat that has underlined their intentions to challenge for the title as they bid to end their 14-year league drought. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose heroics last month -- three consecutive wins without conceding -- earned him the Coach of the Month award, knew he had to win at all costs and prove that their domestic form hasn't been a fluke. It wasn't going to be easy, though. Arrows have also been on an upward trajectory in recent months, with Siyanda Ndlovu crowned Player of the Month last month. After missing the chance to go level with champions and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns during their clash in Tshwane over the weekend following the 1-1 draw, Pirates needed to bounce back to winning ways in Umlazi -- and they did just that. Pirates opened the scoring in the first half courtesy of an own goal by Ayanda Jiyane, who headed Nkosikhona Ndaba's cross into his own net following a scramble inside the box in the 20th minute. Pirates didn't wait long to threaten the Arrows box, though. Evidence Makgopa tested the waters first in the 14th minute but put his header wide of the target. From then on, the Sea Robbers grew in confidence and took the game to the hosts. They were duly rewarded as Ndaba forced the mistake from captain Jiyane, giving Pirates the lead. Pirates continued to pile on the pressure in search of a cushion, and Sipho Mbule came close to doubling the advantage after twisting and turning outside the box, only to send his long-range effort over the crossbar despite having goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo scrambling. Pirates were forced into an early substitution deep in first-half stoppage time as Sihle Nduli was stretchered off and replaced by Thalente Mbatha, who has had limited game time in recent matches. Ouaddou rang the changes in the second half, replacing Makgopa and Mbule with Yanela Mbuthuma and Patrick Maswanganyi respectively. Mbuthuma nearly made an instant impact when he flicked a high ball past Ngcobo, but Arrows' defence was alert and cleared the ball off the line to avert danger. With Mbekezeli Mbokazi starting on the bench, Ouaddou opted for a central defensive pairing of Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi. The duo was exposed when Angelo van Rooi turned Seema inside out before setting up Thokozani Khumalo, who smartly spun in the box and blasted his effort into the roof of the net. Pirates didn't drop their heads, though. They responded quickly through Mbuthuma, who slotted home from close range after being set up by Maswanganyi following a fine cross from Mbatha. With his substitutes combining for a potential winner, Ouaddou raced to the corner flag to perform his customary celebration with the players -- a sight that's becoming familiar in local football, given Pirates' growing confidence with each passing game. Ouaddou won the game from the bench as another substitute, Relebohile Mofokeng -- who had come on alongside Mbokazi -- cleverly lobbed the ball behind the Arrows defence to find Mbuthuma, who controlled expertly before slotting home to seal all three points. With the win secured, Pirates will now turn their focus to Richards Bay, who will host them at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the Carling Knockout semi-final on Saturday afternoon.