Orlando Pirates needed extra time to overcome SuperSport United 3-1 in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, marking the start of the 2024/25 season.

Monnapule Saleng was the standout performer, involved in all three goals as Pirates secured their third consecutive semi-final berth in a competition they’ve won twice in succession.

Pirates entered the match with an unbeaten record in the competition under coach Jose Riveiro, but faced a determined SuperSport side who had claimed four points from them in the previous league campaign. SuperSport had also eliminated Pirates from this cup at the same stage in 2018/19, only to lose the final to Cape Town City.

Despite a slow start, Pirates created early chances, with Relebohile Mofokeng squandering a golden opportunity. Tshegofatso Mabasa also tested SuperSport goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. While SuperSport offered resistance, the match was evenly contested, with both teams matching each other in midfield.

Pirates broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Saleng’s pass found Olisa Ndah, who scored his first goal for the club in two and a half seasons. However, SuperSport equalized early in the second half through Vincent Pule, who respectfully declined to celebrate against his former club.

Pirates dominated much of the second half, with Mofokeng coming close on two occasions and Mabasa missing a good chance. Saleng’s persistence paid off in the 92nd minute of extra time when he tapped in at the back post from Kabelo Dlamini after a smart free kick. Evidence Makgopa sealed the victory in the 109th minute after a Goss save fell into his path.

However, SuperSport coach Gavin Hunt was sent off after protesting a perceived offside in the build-up Pirates’ third goal. This marked the first time Pirates had defeated SuperSport in the MTN8, a rivalry dating back ten years and one day when two former SuperSport players Daine Klate and Kermit Erasmus scored at Orlando Stadium.