Orlando Pirates triumph over SuperSport to reach MTN8 semi-finals

The match, held at the iconic Orlando Stadium, saw Pirates advance to the semi-finals under coach Jose Riveiro.

SuperSport United, coached by Gavin Hunt, started strong with Vincent Pule capitalising on a defensive error to set up Bradley Grobler, who missed an early chance.

Thabiso Monyane of Pirates received a yellow card in the fifth minute, and Pule had another opportunity in the 12th minute that went unconverted.

The deadlock was broken just before half-time when Bucs defender Ndah scored in the 44th minute, assisted by Monnapule Saleng. Saleng, the MTN8 Player of the Tournament in 2022, was instrumental throughout the match, contributing to all three of his team's goals.

SuperSport United equalised shortly after the break, with Pule scoring in the 49th minute. However, Grobler's injury in the 59th minute was a setback, and he was replaced by Thabang Mahlangu.

Pirates had a penalty claim denied in the 68th minute, and Ricardo Goss, SuperSport's goalkeeper, made several key saves, including one from a Saleng shot in the 76th minute.

The match extended into extra time, where Saleng scored in the 92nd minute.

Despite a missed opportunity by Jabu Matsio and a significant save by Pirates' goalkeeper Sipho Chaine from a Nyiko Mobbie shot in the 105th minute, Bucs secured their victory with a third goal from Makgopa in the second half of extra time, again assisted by Saleng.

SuperSport's coach Gavin Hunt then received a straight red card, further diminishing his team's morale.

The key players were Pirates' Saleng, pivotal in all three goals, and SuperSport's Pule, who scored the equaliser. 

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola eager to continue with Man City as England seek new boss