Orlando Pirates are firmly on track for a historic three-peat in the Nedbank Cup after a dramatic 5-4 victory over SuperSport United in a penalty shootout, following an intense 2-2 draw over 120 minutes.
The game erupted into action right from the first minute, with SuperSport United making an early statement. Gamphani Lungu unleashed a powerful shot from the center of the box, testing Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who was up to the task, making a crucial save to keep the score level.
This early chance set the tone for an open, high-paced contest, as SuperSport continued to push forward. However, despite their efforts, Pirates’ defense held strong, with Lebohang Maboe and Nyiko Mobbie both seeing their attempts blocked.
As the match progressed, Orlando Pirates began to settle into their rhythm. In the 29th minute, they broke the deadlock with a well-executed set-piece. Mbekezeli Mbokazi rose above the defenders to meet a corner, and with clinical precision, he fired a left-footed shot into the top right corner of the net, giving the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead.
SuperSport responded quickly, refusing to let Pirates dictate the pace of the game. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, they equalized through Terrence Dzvukamanja. The striker was in the right place at the right time, tapping in from close range after a clever assist from goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. The unexpected assist caught Pirates off guard, and the score was level at 1-1 heading into the break.
However, Pirates would not be outdone. Just moments before the halftime whistle, in the first minute of stoppage time, Evidence Makgopa seized an opportunity in the box. Pouncing on a loose ball, he calmly slotted it home to give Pirates a 2-1 lead going into the second half.
At halftime, Pirates held a slight edge, boasting 53% possession and seven goal attempts to SuperSport’s four.
SuperSport emerged revitalized after the interval, with substitutes Bradley Grobler and Neo Rapoo injecting fresh energy. Despite Pirates’ Mohau Nkota seeing a shot blocked, SuperSport’s persistence paid off in the 90+2nd minute. Gape Moralo latched onto a pinpoint pass from Maboe, firing a low drive into the bottom right corner to level the score at 2-2.
The late drama sent the match into extra time, with both sides finishing regulation time evenly matched—SuperSport with 13 attempts and 47% possession, Pirates with eight attempts and 53%.
Extra time saw both teams trade blows but fail to find a winner. SuperSport’s Bradley Grobler forced a fine save from Chaine, while Pirates’ Deon Hotto tested Goss with a pair of efforts.
Despite late pressure from substitutes like Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Patrick Maswanganyi, the scoreline remained locked at 2-2, paving the way for a penalty shootout.
The shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. SuperSport’s Lebohang Maboe and Bradley Grobler scored, matched by Pirates’ Deon Hotto and Tapelo Xoki. Vincent Pule’s miss handed Pirates the advantage, and though SuperSport’s Nyiko Mobbie and Oratilwe Moloisane kept them alive, Christian Saile’s saved effort proved decisive.
Goodman Mosele stepped up for Pirates, blasting his penalty into the top right corner to seal a 5-4 victory.
Orlando Pirates advance to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, their composure under pressure proving the difference in a match neither side deserved to lose. SuperSport United, despite their valiant effort, bow out with heads held high after a performance full of heart and hustle.