The Buccaneers created chance after chance, finally netting the winner through Bacela five minutes from time to setup a quarterfinal clash with Golden Arrows.
Bacela’s first half goal was cancelled out by Mabhudi Khenyeza. Oupa Manyisa scored with the final kick of the match to seal the victory for the Ghosts.
Former Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela had to settle for a place on the bench while another former Buccaneer Onyekachi Okonkwa was included in the starting 11 by coach Clive Barker. There was also a first start for former SuperSport United fullback Danleigh Borman.
Pirates, on the other hand, made one change to the side that were held to a goalless draw by Esperance in the CAF Champions League over the past weekend with Tlou Segolela replacing the injured Sifiso Myeni.
Bacela started up front for the Ghosts as Kermit Erasmus is away on international duty with Bafana Bafana.
The game got off to a flying start with both side’s going close to opening the scoring within the first 10 minutes of the encounter.
Segolela and Bacela went close for Pirates while at the other end Khenyeza first directed his header onto the roof of the net before flashing an attempt just wide from range.
Bacela forced Bafana Nhlapo into a good save in the 15th minute of the encounter. The former Bloemfontein Celtic striker capitalised on some poor defending inside the area before pulling a save out of Nhlapo who did well to get down to his right.
It was a case of whatever you can do I can do better as Aces then went even closer a minute later through Thabo Qalinge who’s shot from range had Senzo Meyiwa beaten, but not the post.
Pirates should have opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but Nhlapo somehow kept out Daine Klate’s effort from point-blank range.
The Ghosts finally opened the scoring on the half hour mark through Bacela. The recently acquired forward continued his good form in the black of Pirates. Happy Jele’s pinpoint cross was met by a diving Bacela who netted his third goal at the Mbombela stadium this season, 1-0.
Pirates looked to be heading into the break with the lead, but as is often the case there was a goal on the stroke of halftime.
Mabhudi Khenyeza played a neat one-two with Thabo Qalinge inside the box before thundering the ball past Meyiwa to square things up at the interval.
There was concerning news for both coaches at the break though despite the entertaining football on show in the first 45. Siyabonga Sangweni and Eduardo Ferreira had to be substituted during the first stanza after picking up what looked like serious injuries.
Pirates came the stronger of the two sides after the break, starving Aces of possession and pressing Amazayoni into their own half.
Aces, though, were keeping them out all be it by the skin of their teeth as first Happy Jele and then Tlou Segolela rattled the post for the Buccaneers.
Just as it seemed as if the game would be forced into extra time by the hosts, up popped Bacela in the 85th minute. Segolela made a good run down the right flank before passing to Klate who in turn set-up Bacela to complete his brace, 2-1.
Oupa Manyisa made sure of the result five minutes into second half stoppage time, placing the ball past a helpless Nhlapo following some good work from Bacela, 3-1.
