Pirates Beat Sundowns On Penalties To Reach MTN8 Final

Orlando Pirates have secured their spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth consecutive year, defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling penalty shootout at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The match ended 1-1, with the aggregate score level at 2-2, before the Buccaneers won the shootout 4-1.

Chaine’s Heroics Seal Victory

Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the hero of the day, delivering a repeat performance from the 2023/24 final against Sundowns by saving two crucial penalties. Deon Hotto, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sipho Mbule, and Tshegofatso Mabasa all converted their spot-kicks for Pirates, while Sundowns’ penalties from Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende were both saved by Chaine. Only Lebo Mothiba managed to score for Sundowns in the shootout.

Pirates will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United in the final on 13 September, where they will aim for a fourth straight MTN8 title.

A High-Stakes Battle

Pirates, who had conceded in the first leg, started the match strongly. In the second minute, Relebohile Mofokeng set up Hotto, but Hotto once again missed a golden opportunity. Pirates continued to pressure Sundowns, but it was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.

After a shot from Marcelo Allende was blocked, the rebound fell to Iqraam Rayners, who steered it home to give Sundowns a 2-1 aggregate lead.

Despite falling behind, Pirates knew they needed to score to force a penalty shootout, as there is no extra time in this competition. The goal seemed to ignite Sundowns, who gained momentum and controlled possession for a period.

A notable tactical shift occurred in the 39th minute when Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou replaced Patrick Maswanganyi with Bandile Shandu. This move pushed Kamogela Sebelebele forward to the right wing, where he immediately became a threat.

Sundowns nearly sealed the win in the second half, with Rayners hitting the post in the 49th minute and Tashreeq Matthews forcing a brilliant save from Chaine. However, Pirates found their equalizer in the 73rd minute. Following a scramble in the box, the ball fell to Sebelebele, who scored from close range for his third consecutive goal in as many games.

With the aggregate score now 2-2, the match went straight to penalties, where Pirates’ composure and Chaine’s goalkeeping prowess proved decisive.