Mamelodi Sundowns star attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa says he has put his penalty miss in last season’s Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates behind him.

Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute when Deon Hotto was adjudged to have fouled Khuliso Mudau inside the box, and referee Skhumbuzo Gasa pointed to the spot. Costa stepped up, but Sipho Chaine made a fantastic diving save to deny the Brazilian striker.

However, Sundowns’ persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Themba Zwane scored after a well-worked move by Costa, who left Innocent Maela stranded by turning him inside out and rolling the ball between his legs.

Pirates responded, equalizing in the 71st minute. Patrick Maswanganyi appeared to have been pushed down by Aubrey Modiba in the penalty area, and the forward calmly converted the resulting spot kick.

With the game seemingly headed for extra time, substitute Relebohile Mofokeng became the hero. In the final minute, he produced a moment of brilliance, feigning a run, rolling the ball between Bongani Zungu’s legs, and cleverly toe-poking it past Ronwen Williams to seal the win for Pirates.

Sundowns were left to rue Costa’s earlier penalty miss as Pirates capitalized on their opportunities.

Pirates and Sundowns will meet for the first time since then in a top-of-the-table clash at the sold-out Loftus Stadium on Saturday (15:30), with both sides occupying first and second positions in the Betway Premiership table.

“What happened last season with the penalty, it belongs to the past,” said Ribeiro through a translator. 

“It doesn’t affect me whatsoever because we are in the new season. My focus is on the next game and actually on the new things that this season is bringing. 

“So, the penalty I missed doesn’t affect him whatsoever. But for sure Piraes, Chiefs, whenever we play games where the stadium is fully, is what I like to play those games. 

“Because I believe I’m the type of a player that can perform in such audiences. I’m super excited about the upcoming game and there is nothing much that to be prepared and get ready for the game.”

Pirates beat Sundowns twice last season, having also defeated them in a penalty shootout in the MTN8 final in October 2023. However, the Soweto giants face a tough challenge, as they haven’t defeated Sundowns in an away league match since January 2018.