Orlando Pirates progress to MTN8 final despite Stellenbosch defeat

The only goal at the Orlando Stadium came by the way of a mistake in the Bucs defence as Zakhele Lepasa deflected the ball into his own net on 22 minutes.

But Pirates secured their place in the final with Mamelodi Sundowns via the away goal rule after winning 2-1 at Athlone Stadium in the first leg.

Pirates started on the front foot and Patrick Maswanganyi was first in with a half-chance that was blocked as he picked up a Monnapule Saleng pass.

Iqraam Rayners was looking lively for Stellenbosch and saw an early shot saved by Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

The home side were next to go close to an opener as Deon Hotto fired in from just outside the box, but he couldn't keep his shot on target.

But it was Stellies who were to take the lead, through an unlucky source as Lepasa inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net on 22 minutes.

Pirates responded with Tapelo Xoki heading a good Hotto cross just over the target, before Hotto forced a save from Sage Stephens with 38 minutes on the clock.

Hotto was again in on the action with the half winding down while Lepasa tried his best to make amends for his earlier error with a header, with the last chance of the opening period, that flew just over the Stellies goal.

There was a change apiece at the break as Stellies brought on Nhlanhla Mgaga for Antonio Van Wyk as Bucs replaced Saleng with Lesedi Kapinga.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action though until Sandile Mthethwa fired off target with 63 minutes on the clock.

With Pirates on course for a final place with the game tied at 2-2 on aggregate, it was down to Stellies to affect the result, but the home side remained on the frontfoot, and Lepasa thought he was in on goal with 70 minutes played, only to be called up by the offside flag.

Changes for both sides came thick and fast with time running out and Pirates very much on the offensive.

While Tapelo Xoki had a 78th minute shot save, Bandile Shandu was blocked as he looked for a way through to goal.

Lepasa saw his effort well saved in the dying minutes and both Evidence Makgopa and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondo came close late on, but the 1-0 loss was enough for Bucs to advance and for Stellies to make their cup exit.

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