The defending champions, however, had to work hard for their victory as Sekhukhune put up a strong fight, while Pirates wasted several opportunities to extend their lead and left the door open for a potential comeback.

From the opening whistle, the home side looked determined to find an early breakthrough. Their first real opportunity arrived in the eighth minute when Deon Hotto delivered a long cross into the box, but Gamphani Lungu's diving header struck the side netting.

Pirates continued to look dangerous going forward, although the Sekhukhune defence dealt well with their attacking threats.

In the 13th minute, Chibuike Ohizu threatened on a counter-attack, but Sipho Chaine reacted quickly to collect the ball. Six minutes later, Mpho Padime came close to opening the scoring with a long-range effort that sailed inches over the crossbar.

The Buccaneers eventually broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through a well-worked set-piece routine. Tshepang Moremi picked out Padime inside the box, and the midfielder made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net to give Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Sekhukhune pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Tshepo Mokoena fired wide in the 39th minute. Towards half-time, Simphiwe Masilela also tested the visitors' goalkeeper with a long-range effort, which Emmanuel Sapunga parried away.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half produced little clear-cut action, with both teams struggling to maintain possession and create meaningful opportunities.

Pirates introduced Oswin Appollis, who immediately brought energy into their attack. He created an opportunity for Sifiso Luthuli, who failed to capitalise, before seeing his own effort saved by Sapunga in the 68th minute.

Moremi later wasted another glorious opportunity to seal the contest, firing over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Sekhukhune threatened through Thabo Nkwana late on, but Chaine produced an important save to preserve Pirates' advantage.

The Buccaneers held on to secure their place in the semi-finals, ending Sekhukhune's Carling Knockout campaign.

Disappointed Orlando Pirates determined to bounce back against Sundowns, says Jose Riveiro