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Pirates continue title defence, defeating SSU in penalty shootout

rugby08 March 2025 16:16| © Backpage TXT
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Orlando Pirates made sure to continue defending their title by booking a spot into the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup, after they defeated SuperSport United in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw at fulltime at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Orlando Pirates dominated possession in the first half and were comfortable on the ball, showing attacking intent from the very beginning of play.

Careless defending from SuperSport United in the first five minutes almost led to Evidence Makgopa opening the scoring, but his hesitation when it came to the final shot led to Sipesihle Ndlovu finding space to effectively deal with the danger.

The home team’s Nyiko Mobbie was subsequently on high alert to deal with Relebohile Mofokeng on the wing, as the Buccaneers got into gear. Another defensive error found Makgopa getting through on goal once again, however, he showed a lack of decisiveness along with Mofokeng, and this saw them miss another opportunity to score.

Eventually, Pirates got themselves together through a sliced shot into the top corner of the net from youngster defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who scored his first senior goal in the 29th minute.

Terrence Dzvukamanja would equalise matters for Matsantsantsa in the 43rd minute, as he capitalised on Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine leaving the box in an effort to stop an attempt on goal.

Mistiming his effort, Dzvukamanja took advantage by scoring against his former team and kept his composure as he put the ball into an empty net.

Celebrations were short-lived for the home team, when Makgopa finally found his confidence at the stroke of halftime to restore Pirates’ lead, also capitalising on yet another defensive error from SSU as they failed to clear their lines properly.

The second half saw the visitors continue to dominate the game, however they did not capitalise on their scoring chances. Neither did SuperSport, as matters remained level well into the latter minutes.

Just as they thought it was all said and done, Gape Moralo’s moment of individual brilliance saw him level matters in the 92nd minute, with three minutes of stoppage time remaining.

The match went into extra-time in Polokwane, with Pirates continuing to dominate possession. Christian Saile had a chance for SSU when he dispossessed Innocent Maele in the penalty area and was through on goal. Taking too many touches, the opportunity was eventually missed.

Matters remained level even after extra-time and the two sides went into a decisive penalty shootout. Goodman Mosele’s winning penalty kept Pirates in the contest to defend the Nedbank Cup title as the current holders.

SuperSport United (1) 2 (Dzukamanja 43, Moralo 90+2’)

Orlando Pirates (2) 2 (Mbokazi 29’, Makgopa 45+1’)

SuperSport United: R. Goss, N. Mobbie, I. Okon, S. Ndebele, A. Baliti (N. Rapoo 64’), G. Moralo (E. Mbangossoum 111’), S. Ndlovu (B. Grobler 64’), G. Lungu (O. Moloisane 46’), L. Maboe, E. Quaicoe (C. Saile 81’), T. Dzukamanja (V. Pule 81’)

Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, P. Mako, M. Mbokazi (I. Maela 86’), T. Xoki, S. Ndlozi (D. van Rooyen 70’), T. Mbatha (G. Mosele 70’), M. Makhaula (N. Ndlondlo 90’), D. Hotto, R. Mofokeng (B. Shandu 86’), M. Nkota (P. Maswanganyi 70’), E. Makgopa

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