Pirates Crash Out Of Nedbank Cup After Penalty Shootout Loss To Casric Stars

Orlando Pirates suffered a dramatic exit from the Nedbank Cup after losing 5-4 on penalties to Casric Stars at Orlando Stadium, also known as the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout, as Pirates followed Mamelodi Sundowns out of the competition after their earlier defeat to TS Galaxy.

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mpho Chabatsane and Nkosikhona Ndaba all missed their penalties for Pirates, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s efforts to keep his side in the shootout proved in vain.

This year’s Nedbank Cup will now continue without Pirates, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, who were also eliminated in the Round of 32.

Changes to the Starting XI

The Buccaneers entered the clash looking to bounce back from a midweek Betway Premiership defeat to Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made four changes to the starting line-up, handing starts to Mpho Chabatsane, Deano Van Rooyen, Tshepang Moremi and André De Jong in place of Lebone Seema, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma.

Notably, the 23-year-old Seema was not included in the matchday squad, while Thabiso Sesane was the only recognised centre-back available on the bench.

Missed Chances in Regulation Time

Both teams started brightly, creating several chances within the opening 20 minutes. However, solid defensive displays ensured neither side could break the deadlock.

In the 28th minute, Casric nearly opened the scoring when Samuel Nana found himself unmarked inside the box, but his right-footed effort failed to trouble Chaine.

Two minutes later, Relebohile Mofokeng combined well with Moremi, who delivered an excellent pass to André De Jong, but the striker’s left-footed shot from inside the six-yard box went wide.

The remainder of the first half followed a similar pattern, with both teams showing attacking intent but lacking the finishing touch.

Pirates dominated the early stages of the second half, creating several clear opportunities without finding the breakthrough.

In the 72nd minute, Mofokeng played a superb pass to Deon Hotto, who was unmarked inside the area, but his left-footed attempt sailed off target.

The Buccaneers came close again in the 87th minute when Masindi Nemtajela had a shot inside the box, only for Casric defenders to block his effort.

Despite a late surge in search of a winner, Pirates were unable to score, and the match proceeded to extra time.

Shootout Heartbreak for Pirates

Pirates continued to create chances in extra time, but poor finishing persisted. With neither side able to find a goal, the tie was ultimately decided by penalties.

Casric held their nerve from the spot, while Pirates faltered, sealing a famous victory for the Motsepe Foundation Championship side.

Pirates will now shift focus back to the Betway Premiership, where they face arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on 28 February at FNB Stadium in a highly anticipated Soweto Derby.