Orlando Pirates edged past SuperSport United in a tense Nedbank Cup quarter-final on Saturday afternoon, ultimately triumphing in a penalty shootout to secure their semi-final berth.
The Buccaneers welcomed back key players, with first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine leading the returnees, alongside Tapelo Xoki, Paseka Mako, and Evidence Makgopa in Jose Riveiro's starting eleven.
The game ignited instantly as SuperSport's Champani Lungu carved out space in the opening minute to unleash a powerful shot from inside the box, only for Chaine to respond with a spectacular save, denying an early opener.
Moments later, Pirates missed a golden opportunity when Evidence Makgopa, inside the area, opted to pass to Relebohile Mofokeng, whose first-time strike was directed straight at SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
THREE QUICK GOALS AHEAD OF HALFTIME
The deadlock was finally broken just before the half-hour mark by Pirates' academy graduate Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He unleashed a thunderous strike, rifling a loose ball from a defensive clearance into the top corner of the net.
However, Matsatsantsa responded swiftly, drawing level just two minutes before halftime. Sipho Chaine misjudged a high ball, allowing Terrence Dzvukamanja to ghost in and slot home a simple equalizer.
Pirates regained the lead quickly as Makgopa deflected Hotto's shot into the net – SuperSport's defense exposed again. The Swanky Boys pressed for an immediate response in the second half, but created little.
Bradley Grobler entered for SuperSport midway through the second half. However, defensive error cost Pirates late on, Cape Moralo equalizing from the edge of the box to force extra time.
Christian Saile threatened for SuperSport in extra time, shooting narrowly wide. Late Pirates pressure saw Goss deny Hotto point-blank, sending the game to penalties.
Sipho Chaine became the shootout hero, saving from Saile in sudden-death, while Goodman Mosele’s powerful penalty secured Pirates’ semi-final spot.
