Bucs' Sarr of relief

Orlando Pirates chose to do it the hard way yesterday, having to come from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win over Polokwane City and progress to the Telkom Knockout last eight.

Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic rang the changes after defeats to Chippa United and Kaizer Chiefs recently, and it got him the outcome he desperately needed to ease the pressure on his shoulders, but he would not have been pleased with the display.

The team's deficiencies were exposed when they went a goal down a quarter of an hour into the game as Tokelo Langa's shot beat Senzo Meyiwa, who was the team's captain on the day, in the absence of central defender Siyabonga Sangweni.

Langa was given too much room in the centre of midfield to drive struggling City forward and when the opportunity to shoot presented itself, the midfielder unleashed a shot that deflected off a Pirates player and into the back of the net.

The lead lasted only three minutes before the hosts snatched the equaliser as midfield anchorman Issa Sarr rose highest to head home his first Pirates goal from a Mpho Makola corner kick.

At least Vermezovic could reflect on a change that paid off, having brought Sarr into the starting line-up after the Senegalese-born player started on the bench in the defeat to Chippa in the previous match.

The clubs went into the break on level terms. Pirates were a bit more forceful early in the second period, but poor finishing let them down.

Makola's shot went narrowly wide of goal three minutes into the second half and, 10 minutes later, the former Free State Stars midfielder spurned the best chance of the half, directing his close-range header over Dino Visser's goal.

City were let off the hook again a few minutes later when Lehlohonolo Majoro, who finally got his first start this season ahead of Kermit Erasmus, also headed his close-range header over the bar after a Patrick Phungwayo cross.

Majoro made up by playing a cross for Thabo Qalinge to finish brilliantly and give the hosts the lead.

• Burly striker Thabiso Nkoana netted a brace as Ajax Cape Town eased into the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Mpumalanga Black Aces at Cape Town Stadium.Young defender Abubakar Mobara added a third with 15 minutes remaining as the Urban Warriors proved too canny on attack and too full of energy across the park for Black Aces.

Nick Said