Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Nedbank Cup semifinals after a thrilling 4-2 victory over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The defending champions were pushed to the limit in a six-goal encounter.

Pirates took the early lead twice, but AmaZulu battled back on both occasions. Makhehleni Makhaula’s strike in the final ten minutes proved decisive, securing the win before Patrick Maswanganyi added a fourth goal. This victory follows a three-game run where Pirates have netted an impressive 14 goals.

The match started brightly for Pirates, with Tshegofatso Mabasa nearly putting them ahead. However, his effort was cleared off the line by Ramahlwe Mphahlele. Pirates dominated the early stages, keeping AmaZulu pinned in their own half. Relebohile Mofokeng orchestrated the attack alongside Maswanganyi and Kabelo Dlamini.

AmaZulu found their footing around the 30th minute and capitalized on a Pirates mistake. Deon Hotto’s attempted clearance fell perfectly for Pule Ekstein, who rifled the ball home. This setback forced Pirates to up their tempo as space on the pitch narrowed.

Just before halftime, a controversial penalty decision swung the momentum back in Pirates’ favor. Masixole Bambiso awarded a spot-kick after Makhaula was adjudged to have been pushed by Taariq Fielies. Maswanganyi coolly converted, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The second half continued in a similar vein. Dlamini doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a well-placed free kick that beat the wall and goalkeeper Veli Mothwa. However, AmaZulu refused to surrender. Six minutes later, Abbubaker Mobara’s flighted free kick found Taariq Fielies, who headed past an exposed Sipho Chaine.

Pirates regained the lead in the 82nd minute. Another Dlamini free kick caused problems, with Monnapule Saleng flicking the ball on for Makhaula to smash home from close range against his former club. He then celebrated with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine before Maswanganyi sealed the win with a late fourth goal