Orlando Pirates held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to book their spot in their fourth consecutive MTN8 final, going past Mamelodi Sundowns after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their semifinal tie at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
The enthralling match-up between the two rivals reached the end of regulation time with the two sides still deadlocked at two goals apiece on aggregate. This was after the previous leg played at Orlando Stadium followed a similar script with the Buccaneers fighting back from a goal down to salvage a draw.
With things still in the balance heading into the decider in Atteridgeville, a tentative approach was adopted at both ends for the best part of the first period with clear-cut chances at goal kept to a minimum. The first 15 minutes went by with neither side posing a significant threat to the opposition goal as both defensive units held firm.
The home side was however able to edge ahead just 17 minutes in, capitalising on Pirates’ failure to produce a clearance inside their penalty area. Following some pressure inside the Bucs box, Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners produced the definitive touch when he latched onto the rebound from a shot blocked by defender Lebone Seema before guiding the ball past the diving Sipho Chaine into the net.
That handed the hosts an advantage in the tie, with the Buccaneers needing to find the net twice for an outright win. However, not much changed in their pursuit for the equaliser as the Brazilians continued to keep things tight at the back.
Crosses delivered into the box by Seema and Relebohile Mofokeng failed to connect with their intended targets. Kamogelo Sebelebele later joined in the act, but the result was similar as the home side’s defence remained alert to their visitors’ threat from the flanks.
The visitors’ frustrating spell lasted throughout the remainder of the first period, with Sundowns maintaining their lead heading into the break.
Pirates’ efforts at drawing level after the break continued to meet some resistance, despite a more spirited approach in the second half. They nearly faced an uphill battle in their bid to claw their way back as Rayners nearly made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot at goal, only to be denied by the upright.
Thalente Mbatha replied moments later with a long-range attempt at goal, and could only manage to force a save from Ronwen Williams.
The shots kept flying in at both ends as Chaine had to make a similar stop on the opposite side to deny Matthews.
With 13 minutes of regulation time remaining, it was a case of deja vu for the home side as they relinquished a lead for the second week running. Sebelebele was again the main with the finishing touch, capitalising on some sloppy defensive work before directing the ball into the net for his third goal in as many starts for Pirates, his second in two games against the Tshwane Giants.
The Soweto Giants threatened in the dying moments as they looked to steal a winner, while their opponents also tasked them with some defensive work late on. Neither could prevent the looming lottery of the penalty shootout, as things ended with nothing to separate the two sides.
Hotto’s experience shone through during the spot kicks as he easily slotted past Williams to put Pirates ahead, while Chaine guessed correctly to deny Teboho Mokoena who took Sundowns’ first penalty of the afternoon.
That was the first of two saves by the Bucs shot-stopper during the shootout, who also kept out Marcello Allende’s penalty. Abdoulaye Mariko and Sipho Mbule meanwhile slotted home to give the visitors a handy advantage.
Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba managed to breach the 28-year-old’s defences, but that proved to be a little too late as Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured a 4-1 win to the Buccaneers in the shootout.
It was yet another triumph in the semis for the Soweto Giants, who maintained their healthy record in the tournament against their Tshwane counterparts while remaining on track for an unprecedented fourth straight title.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Sebelebele, Hotto, Nduli (Mariko 62’), Mbatha (Mbule 86’), Maswanganyi (Shandu 39’), Mofokeng, Appollis (Kwayiba 86’), Makgopa (Mabasa 62’).
SOURCED FROM THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
