Mbuthuma delivers as Orlando Pirates get past Sekhukhune to make the MTN8 final

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Mbuthuma delivers as Orlando Pirates get past Sekhukhune to make the MTN8 final
Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates against Sekhukhune United, Image: Pirates

Defending champions Orlando Pirates are into the MTN8 final after beating Sekhukhune United 3-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The Soweto giants came into the match as favourites to advance, thanks to their initial 1-0 victory in the first leg. Bucs further claimed a 2-0 victory on Tuesday in the Premier Soccer League outing.

Despite his heroics in the PSL fixture, Boitumelo Radiopane started from the bench with Yanela Mbuthuma getting his chance.

Babina Noko who were without their suspended coach Cedric Kaze named their best as well hoping to defy the odds and make the final.

Mokobodi & Lungu give Bucs the advantage

As expected, the hosts dominated the proceedings in the early stages of the game, but Sekhukhune still gave everything in search of the equaliser and probably a winning goal.

Oswin Appollis came close in the fourth minute but Toaster Nsabata was there to deny him, with Mbuthuma also failing to get it right from a corner following Babina Noko’s poor defending.

The visitors had a chance as well but Bradley Mojela failed to capitalise on the scoring chance. But the best opportunity for Babina Noko came in the 33rd minute as Mpho Rammala got in a promising position, only to fire wide.

Bucs responded in the 37th minute as Mbuthuma teed up Thapelo Mokobodi for an opener.

It got even better for the holders in the 39th minute, as Ghampani Lungu connected Mbuthuma’s pass to make it 2-0 and 3-0 in aggregate.

Bucs into the final!

Sekhukhune came back stronger anticipating a better second-half in their bid to at least get a goal, after failing to do so in the previous two instances. Nevertheless, it was Mbuthuma who hit the target in the 52nd minute, only to be stopped by Nsabata.

Bucs custodian Sipho Chaine had to be alert to deny Siphesihle Mkhize in the 60th minute. Bright Ndlovu came close as well for Babina Noko, but his goal-bound effort was stopped.

Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates controls the ball against Sekhukhune United.
Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates controls the ball against Sekhukhune United. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Both teams had a few scoring opportunities later in the game but they were not taken until Kamogelo Sebelebele gave the fans something in the third minute of added time to ensure it ended 3-0, and 4-0 on aggregate.

The Sea Robbers are now into the final hurdle where they will be aiming at winning the competition for the fifth time in a row. Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns will be battling for the remaining slot on Sunday.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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  • Football Odds
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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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